Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted the need for closer cooperation between India and Scotland in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and women’s empowerment during his recent visit to Scotland. His visit, part of a broader trip to the United Kingdom, also included discussions with key political leaders and a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in London.
AI and Technology Collaboration for Parliamentary Productivity
During his meeting with Scotland’s First Minister, Rt. Hon’ble John Swinney, Shri Birla discussed how India’s Parliament has effectively utilized AI to enhance legislative productivity. He proposed that both India and Scotland exchange knowledge and best practices in AI and technology, aiming to improve governance and parliamentary processes in both nations.
Shri Birla also emphasized India’s ambitious plans to become the world’s third-largest economy, attributing the country’s robust economic growth to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussion extended to other emerging sectors such as green energy, IT, and AI, where both nations can collaborate for mutual benefit.
Promoting Women Empowerment
One of the key themes of Shri Birla’s visit was gender equality. He shared insights into India’s legislative strides in empowering women, including the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, a law focused on enhancing women’s representation in governance. Shri Birla proposed that the Indian and Scottish Parliaments collaborate to share best practices for promoting women’s active participation in political processes.
This discussion took place during his interaction with Rt. Hon’ble Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the importance of women’s voices in governance worldwide.
Focus on Education and Bilateral Cooperation
Shri Birla’s discussions also touched on the New Education Policy (NEP) of India, which encourages foreign institutions to partner with Indian universities. He invited Scottish universities to explore opportunities for collaboration under the NEP, further enhancing educational exchanges between the two countries.
The Speaker also outlined areas for bilateral cooperation, including green energy and AI research, as well as youth engagement programs focused on technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Strengthening Parliamentary Ties
Highlighting the vibrancy of India’s parliamentary democracy, Shri Birla praised the dynamic and deliberative nature of the Indian legislative system. He proposed greater cooperation with the Scottish Parliament, especially in the areas of parliamentary committees and democratic processes.
He also emphasized the role of meaningful debates and discussions in driving effective governance, underscoring the importance of dialogue in enhancing both parliamentary and governmental efficiency.
Engagement with Indian Diaspora in London
Shri Birla’s visit also included a meeting with the Indian diaspora in London, where he praised their contributions to strengthening the cultural ties between India and the UK. He encouraged members of the Indian community to actively engage in India’s growth story, particularly through investment, innovation, and business, as the country continues its transformative reform agenda.
Key Highlights of the Diaspora Interaction:
- Recognition of the Indian diaspora’s role as cultural and economic bridges between India and the UK.
- Emphasis on India’s growing global influence and the opportunities available to the diaspora for investment and business.
- A call for greater collaboration with the diaspora in India’s future development.
Tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
As part of his visit, Shri Birla paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in London. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Father of the Nation, Shri Birla acknowledged the relevance of Gandhi’s principles in today’s global context, particularly in promoting peace, non-violence, and global cooperation.
Looking to the Future: Collaborative Initiatives
In addition to discussions on AI, education, and gender equality, Shri Birla also proposed several new initiatives for enhancing cooperation between India and Scotland, including:
- Green Energy and AI Research: Opportunities for joint research in renewable energy technologies and artificial intelligence.
- Youth Engagement Programs: Exchange programs for young leaders and students, focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
- Cultural Diplomacy: The proposal of joint cultural festivals to further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Scotland.
Shri Om Birla’s visit reinforced India’s commitment to fostering strong, multifaceted partnerships with Scotland and the UK, driven by shared democratic values, technological innovation, and inclusive growth. His interactions highlighted India’s evolving role on the global stage, showcasing the country’s dedication to governance, economic development, and cultural diplomacy
