A parliamentary delegation from India, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, is attending the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Manama, Bahrain from March 11 to 15. Upon arrival in Bahrain, the delegation was welcomed by Bahraini officials and Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava at the airport.<br />'' <br />'' During the visit, Speaker Birla met with IPU President Duarte Pacheco and Bahraini Speaker Fawzia Zainal to discuss various issues of mutual interest and cooperation. The delegation participated in the opening ceremony of the IPU Assembly and engaged in various meetings and debates on topics such as human rights, climate change, gender equality, and terrorism.<br />'' <br />'' Birla addressed the general debate of the IPU Assembly on the theme of "Parliamentary leadership for more effective multilateralism that delivers peace and sustainable development for the people and planet". He highlighted India's achievements in combating Covid-19, promoting renewable energy, empowering women, and strengthening democracy.<br />'' <br />'' While sharing his thoughts on the subject – Promoting peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies: Fight against intolerance at the General Debate during 146th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bahrain Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that in India all the elected members enjoy the freedom to express their views and thoughts in Lok Sabha. He said, in India, there is a robust participatory democracy and a vibrant multiparty system where hopes and aspirations of the citizens find expression through the elected representatives.<br />''  <br />'' The Lok Sabha Speaker said, the Parliament of India has always held extensive and meaningful debates and deliberations on contemporary global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, sustainable development and the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that in global institutions like the UN Security Council, there is a broad consensus among many nations to bring about reforms to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing world order. Mr Birla said, India has always given the message of peace and harmony to the entire world.<br />'' <br />'' On the sidelines, Speaker Birla also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain, emphasizing the importance of their contribution in strengthening the relationship between India and Bahrain. He also said the relationship between the countries is based on human sensibilities and cultural values, which have been strengthened by the hard work, loyalty, diligence and dedication of the Indian Diaspora. India-Bahrain relations have acquired new dimensions in the last few years; he further highlighted the increase in cooperation between the two countries in areas such as IT, Fintech, and Renewable Energy.<br />'' <br />'' During the visit, the Speaker also met with Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of Jatiyo Sangsad of Bangladesh, to discuss strengthening parliamentary cooperation and expanding trade and economic relations between the two countries.<br />''<br />''The IPU is a global organization of national parliaments that promotes democracy, peace, and cooperation. The Indian presence at the IPU Assembly is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bahrain and showcase India's role as a responsible global partner.<br />