Parliament’s External Affairs Panel Finalises Agenda: MPs Seek Discussions On Trade Diplomacy, China Ties

Last Updated:October 08, 2025, 02:24 IST

The revamped committee has adopted the list of subjects that have to be discussed in this term. After the final approval of the Lok Sabha speaker, the details will be made public

Shashi Tharoor, who has been leading the committee since 2024, was recently reappointed for another term. File pic/PTI

Following the reconstitution of parliamentary standing committees, the external affairs committee, chaired by Dr Shashi Tharoor of the Congress, met on Tuesday to decide on subjects for detailed discussion over the coming year.

According to sources, MPs across party lines pressed for an in-depth discussion on India’s trade diplomacy and global economic relations, citing the need for greater transparency and clarity in a rapidly changing international environment. Members felt that understanding India’s evolving trade partnerships would help strengthen diplomatic and economic communication worldwide.

While the committee has previously deliberated on India-China and India-Bangladesh relations, several MPs suggested revisiting these topics for a deeper examination, particularly given the constantly shifting political and economic developments in neighbouring countries.

The ministry of external affairs has also proposed several subjects for the panel’s consideration, including India’s emerging role in technology and cybersecurity from an Indian perspective. Members broadly welcomed these suggestions, adding that discussions on artificial intelligence—its use, potential, and misuse—should also be included.

Chairman Dr Tharoor assured members that the committee would hold comprehensive and substantive discussions on every key issue placed before it. Tharoor, who has been leading the committee since 2024, was recently reappointed for another term. Members lauded his leadership over the past year, noting the committee’s 32 detailed sittings covering complex global issues and the shifting world order.

The committee has adopted the list of the subjects that have to be discussed in this term. After the final approval of the Lok Sabha speaker, the details will be made public.

At the start of the meeting, members extended a warm welcome to new entrants—Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha and YSRCP lawmaker Ayodhya Rami Reddy—who joined the panel after the latest reshuffle.

The department-related standing committee on external affairs includes members from across political parties. Apart from Tharoor, Congress MPs Rajeev Shukla and Deepender Hooda serve on the committee. Other members include Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), John Brittas (CPI-M), and, from the BJP, K Lakshman, Aparajita Sarangi, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Sudhanshu Trivedi.

In the latest changes, BJP MPs Kavita Patidar and Kiran Choudhary have been moved out of the panel.

The committee’s forthcoming discussions are expected to set the tone for India’s diplomatic priorities in trade, technology, and regional relations over the next year.

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