How does India utilise inter-parliamentary diplomacy to complement its foreign policy goals? Assess the role of platforms like the BRICS Parliamentary Forum.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Q4. How does India utilise inter-parliamentary diplomacy to complement its foreign policy goals? Assess the role of platforms like the BRICS Parliamentary Forum. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
Lok Sabha Speaker to lead delegation to BRICS inter-parliamentary forum

Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how inter-parliamentary diplomacy complements India’s foreign policy and assessing how platforms like the BRICS Parliamentary Forum serve India’s broader geopolitical and governance interests.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly define inter-parliamentary diplomacy and mention its emergence as a soft power tool in India’s foreign policy.

Body

• Explain how India uses parliamentary diplomacy to reinforce global image, build consensus, and promote democratic values
• Assess the significance of BRICS Parliamentary Forum in supporting India’s strategic goals through multilateral legislative cooperation

Conclusion
Conclude with a forward-looking note on institutionalising such diplomacy as a regular feature of India’s global engagement.