Parliamentary Diplomacy: India To Send MP Delegations In ‘Non-Official’ Capacity To UNGA

Last Updated:October 06, 2025, 21:16 IST

BJP MPs PP Chaudhary and Daggubati Purandeswari will lead two multi-party parliamentary delegations to the 80th UNGA in New York, reviving a tradition paused since 2004

This initiative marks the revival of India’s long-standing practice of parliamentary participation at the UNGA. (Image for representation: AFP)

Two multi-party delegations of MPs headed by the BJP’s PP Chaudhary and Daggubati Purandeswari will be representing India at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York this month, as part of its “non-official delegation” in a renewed push for parliamentary diplomacy.

The first delegation will be led by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, who is the chairperson of the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) on ‘One Nation One Election’. This team will visit New York from October 8 to 14. The second group of 15 MPs will travel later in the month, led by BJP MP D Purandeswari.

This initiative marks the revival of India’s long-standing practice of parliamentary participation at the UNGA, an effort discontinued since 2004. Through these delegations, MPs will engage in UN sessions, interact with India’s Permanent Mission, and represent the democratic and pluralistic ethos of the country on a global stage.

The first group includes Chaudhary (leader), Anil Baluni, Captain Brijesh Chowta, Dr Nishikant Dubey, Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, S Phangnon Konyak, Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni, Poonam Ben Maadam, Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, Vivek Tankha, Dr T Sumathy, Sribharat Mathukumilli among others. The second group led by Purandeswari has Rekha Sharma, BD Sharma, Dilip Saikia, Sajda Ahmed, P Wilson, Manoj Jha, Sandeep Pathak, GK Vasan, Bhola Singh among others.

According to officials, this move underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its voice in global policymaking forums and restoring the tradition of legislators contributing directly to multilateral dialogue.

Historically, India’s parliamentary delegations have featured many prominent leaders, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who represented India at the UNGA multiple times before becoming Prime Minister, and LK Advani, who attended in 2012. The return of such delegations under Chaudhary’s leadership reaffirms India’s intent to blend diplomacy with democratic representation.

“The UNGA is a vital platform where member nations come together to discuss key global issues, from peace and security to human rights, development, and international cooperation. I look forward to representing our nation and contributing to these important deliberations on the world stage,” Purandeswari was quoted by PTI.

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