New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) A parliamentary delegation from Georgia, headed by Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili, met with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday. During their discussions, both parties explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in various sectors including tourism, IT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, films, and sports. They also examined the potential for increased direct connectivity between the two nations.

The statement from the Vice President's Office indicated that the dialogue underscored the strengthening of India–Georgia relations, mutual democratic values, and the necessity for regular parliamentary interactions. The meeting was attended by Sibi George, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with other officials.

In a post shared on X, the Vice President's Office stated, "A Parliamentary Delegation from Georgia, led by H.E. Mr. Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, met with Hon’ble Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, at Parliament House today. Both sides engaged in productive discussions and welcomed the opening of the new Indian Embassy in Georgia, as well as the prospects for enhanced direct connectivity."

The talks emphasized the advancing India–Georgia relations, mutual democratic values, and the importance of institutionalizing regular parliamentary engagement. The delegations also exchanged ideas on extending cooperation in sectors such as tourism, IT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, the film industry, and sports. They further discussed enhancing academic exchanges between universities, the increasing number of Indian students in Georgia, and the rise in tourism flows — developments positively acknowledged by both parties.

On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with the visiting Georgian parliamentary delegation led by Chairman Shalva Papuashvili in New Delhi. They discussed institutional cooperation, capacity building through PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies), reform experiences, and committee practices aimed at improving legislative effectiveness in both countries.

Birla noted that the discussions reflected the depth of India-Georgia ties, shared democratic values, and the growing parliamentary engagement. He mentioned that the parliamentary delegation observed the proceedings from the special gallery.

"I was pleased to welcome H.E. Mr. Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, along with the esteemed Parliamentary Delegation, to the Parliament of India. The delegation was able to witness the house proceedings from the Special Gallery and the vibrancy of India’s parliamentary operations, showcasing the democratic strength of 1.4 billion citizens," Om Birla shared on X.

"Our discussions highlighted the depth of India-Georgia relations, our common democratic values, and the expanding parliamentary engagement, including the upcoming establishment of the India-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Group. Both parties exchanged views on institutional cooperation, capacity building via PRIDE, reform experiences, and committee practices aimed at enhancing legislative efficiency in both nations. The growing economic connections in investment, IT, pharma, and renewable energy, along with the rising presence of Indian students in Georgia and increasing tourism flows, were positively noted," he added.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Kirti Vardhan Singh also attended a lunch hosted by Birla in honor of the visiting Georgian Parliamentary delegation.

"I was pleased to attend the lunch hosted by Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla ji in honor of the visiting Georgian Parliamentary Delegation led by H.E. Mr. Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia. Both India and Georgia uphold democratic values, as both nations cherish freedom, equality, and the rule of law," Kirti Vardhan Singh wrote on X.