Is Shashi Tharoor Continuing as the Head of External Affairs Panel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Tharoor continues as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.
- The committee is restructured with a diverse representation from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- It plays a critical role in advising on India's foreign policy and international relations.
- Tharoor's leadership is expected to focus on key global challenges.
- Committee's formation aligns with India's expanding global presence.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will continue in his role as the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs. The committee has been reconstituted effective from September 26.
As a seasoned Congress MP and former Minister of State for External Affairs, Tharoor brings a wealth of diplomatic experience, including his tenure at the United Nations. His leadership is anticipated to steer the committee adeptly as India navigates a rapidly evolving global landscape, according to officials.
Responsible for scrutinizing matters regarding India's foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations, the committee comprises 20 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, with one seat in the Lok Sabha currently unoccupied.
Among the members from the Lok Sabha are notable figures such as D. K. Aruna, Abhishek Banerjee, Vijay Baghel, Arun Govil, Deepender Singh Hooda, Naveen Jindal, Asaduddin Owaisi, Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Aparajita Sarangi, Arvind Ganpat Sawant, Bansuri Swaraj, and Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde, among others. This diverse representation across parties and states highlights a comprehensive and inclusive approach to overseeing external affairs.
From the Rajya Sabha, the committee includes John Brittas, Raghav Chadha, Sagarika Ghose, K. Laxman, Rajeev Shukla, Sudhanshu Trivedi, and others. The committee serves a vital advisory function in shaping India's foreign relations, evaluating the policies and operations of the Ministry of External Affairs and associated entities. It also reviews bilateral and multilateral relationships, international treaties, and matters affecting the Indian diaspora.
The reappointment of Tharoor has garnered significant attention from both diplomatic and political sectors, with many anticipating that the committee will take an active role on critical issues, including regional security, border diplomacy, and India's participation in global climate discussions and multilateral platforms such as the UN, G20, and BRICS.
This new committee formation arrives at a pivotal time when India's global influence is on the rise, and the role of Parliament in shaping foreign policy is increasingly paramount.