Indian MPs Return to UNGA: PP Chaudhary to Lead First Non-Official Delegation After 20-Year Hiatus

Lok Sabha MP PP Chaudhary has been appointed to lead the initial non-official delegation of Indian MPs attending the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The Indian parliamentary representation will consist of two separate groups, each comprising 15 Members of Parliament. The first delegation, headed by Chaudhary, is scheduled to visit from October 8 to 14, while the second group will travel later in the month.

This initiative marks a significant revival of India's parliamentary participation at the UNGA, following a nearly two-decade hiatus since the practice was discontinued in 2004. The delegation represents India's renewed emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy, ensuring legislators once again play an active role in global dialogues at the United Nations, widely recognized as the world's premier multilateral forum.

The Non-Official Delegation provides Indian MPs an opportunity to attend UN sessions, collaborate with India's Permanent Mission in New York, and showcase the country's democratic values on the international stage.

Members of the first delegation include PP Chaudhary, Anil Baluni, Captain Brijesh Chowta, Nishikant Dubey, Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, S Phangnon Konyak, Medha Vishram Kulkarni, Poonam Ben Maadam, Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, Vivek Tankha, T Sumathy, Sribharat Mathukumilli, Kumari Selja, NK Premachandran, and Rajeev Rai.

India has maintained a tradition of sending parliamentary delegations to the UNGA throughout its history, including prominent leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who represented the nation multiple times before becoming Prime Minister, and LK Advani, who participated in 2012.