Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan has been nominated as a member of the India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group constituted for the 18th Lok Sabha. The nomination was communicated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on February 23, 2026.
The Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed to strengthen bilateral parliamentary engagement between India and Saudi Arabia. Bhuyan’s inclusion was approved by the Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the current Lok Sabha term.
Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan has been nominated to the India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group for the 18th Lok Sabha. The nomination was communicated on February 23, 2026, by the Lok Sabha Secretariat to enhance parliamentary engagement and legislative cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia.
Official Communication Issued on February 23
According to official communication from the Lok Sabha Secretariat’s Conference and Protocol Branch, the Parliamentary Friendship Group aims to deepen legislative dialogue between the two countries.
The letter, signed by L.V. Ramana, Director, informed Bhuyan that he has been nominated to serve as a member of the group for the current Lok Sabha term.
Parliamentary Friendship Groups function as structured institutional mechanisms designed to facilitate cooperation between lawmakers of two nations.
What Is the Role of a Parliamentary Friendship Group?
Parliamentary Friendship Groups are formed to:
- Strengthen bilateral parliamentary dialogue
- Exchange legislative practices and experiences
- Promote mutual understanding on policy matters
- Support broader diplomatic ties through legislative engagement
These groups operate parallel to diplomatic channels and complement strategic and economic partnerships between countries.
Significance for Assam and the Northeast
Ajit Kumar Bhuyan represents Assam in the Rajya Sabha. His inclusion in the India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group places an MP from the Northeast within an important international legislative engagement platform.
India and Saudi Arabia have expanded cooperation in recent years across energy, trade, and strategic sectors. Legislative engagement through such groups is considered part of broader bilateral institutional cooperation.
Related Nomination in the Lok Sabha
Earlier, Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, was nominated as President of the India–Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Union Minister Pabitra Margherita described the nomination as a routine parliamentary process. He clarified that the position does not constitute a special chairmanship and stated that, unless proven guilty by a court of law, any Member of Parliament is entitled to hold such responsibilities. He added that the nomination should not be interpreted as a “clean chit.”
What Happens Next?
The India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group is expected to facilitate structured dialogue between legislators of both countries during the 18th Lok Sabha term.
Further engagements, exchanges, and parliamentary interactions may be scheduled as part of the group’s functioning, though specific dates have not yet been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group?
It is a formal parliamentary mechanism created to strengthen legislative dialogue and cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia during the 18th Lok Sabha.
When was Ajit Kumar Bhuyan nominated?
The nomination was communicated on February 23, 2026, through an official letter issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.