Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs convenes

New Delhi

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs held a meeting with the Swedish Parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Parliament House Annex on Tuesday. Shashi Tharoor, Chairman of the Committee, greeted the Swedish delegation warmly.

Earlier, on February 27, Tharoor shared details about the committee's comprehensive discussion regarding India's Ministry of External Affairs' budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including India's development aid budget, plans for opening new embassies and consulates, and the training of Foreign Service officers.

In an interview after the meeting, Tharoor highlighted the importance of examining the Ministry’s budget and questioning the Foreign Secretary on how India plans to project its voice internationally. He added that the government also informed the committee about India's candidacy for a UN Security Council seat for 2028-29, with elections taking place next year.

The meeting also focused on reviewing the Ministry of External Affairs' Demands for Grants for 2025-26, where oral evidence was recorded from Ministry representatives. Along with Tharoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials from the Ministry attended the session.