153rd IPU Assembly: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh delivers strong response to Pakistan on Kashmir

The Indian parliamentary delegation actively participated on the second day of the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Arusha, Tanzania. The delegation was led by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh.

During the assembly meetings, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh exercised the right of reply to address inappropriate remarks made by Pakistan regarding Kashmir. He stated in clear terms that Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India and that Pakistan has no right to comment on India's internal affairs.

Other members of the delegation participated in various important committees and workshops. Lok Sabha MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal attended the sessions of the IPU's health-related committee and also accompanied the committee on a regional visit.

Lok Sabha MP Shri Anurag Singh Thakur attended the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights. He participated in the debate on the draft resolution titled 'Inclusive Social Development for All: Parliamentary Strategies to Promote the Rights and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.' Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra also participated in the discussions of this committee and contributed to the preparation of the draft resolution.

In the meeting of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, Lok Sabha MP Smt. Kamaljeet Sahrawat discussed the topic 'Shaping a Peaceful Future: Parliamentary Diplomacy, Mediation, and Dialogue for Sustainable Peace.' Meanwhile, Dr. Sasmit Patra shared his views during a panel discussion of the same committee on 'The Role of Parliaments in Maintaining Peace in the Age of Military Artificial Intelligence.'

Lok Sabha MP Shri N.K. Premachandran participated in two significant workshops, which included 'Strengthening Parliamentary Response to Terrorism: Presenting the IPU Reference Framework' and 'Critical Minerals for Shared Prosperity: Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight.'

At the conclusion of the program, the Indian High Commission organized a cultural event in honor of the Indian delegation, followed by an interaction between the delegation and the Indian diaspora community present there.