India’s global trust is the result of hard work of Indians worldwide: Om Birla lauds Indian diaspora in UK

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla on Wednesday lauded the Indian diaspora in the UK for their contributions, saying that the growing global trust in India is the result of the hard work and efficiency of Indians living across the world. He emphasised how Indians’ culture of service, work ethic, and contributions to their host nations have shaped India’s global image, free from political influence.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at India House, Birla said, “I wish you all a very happy new year. January is a month of festivals and celebrations in India and in places across the world where Indians live. In some regions, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, in others as Pongal and Lohri. India is a land of festivals, religion, spirituality, and culture. Though you are far from India, your hearts and culture remain rooted in India.”

Birla underscored that leaders from all nations he has visited believe the 21st century belongs to India. He also highlighted his meetings with leaders in the UK, emphasizing their trust in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I am happy that because of your hard work, efficiency, and excellence in various fields, India’s name is resonating across the world. Wherever I traveled, whether meeting Presidents, Prime Ministers, or Speakers, all of them affirmed that the 21st century belongs to India,” Birla said.

“During my discussions with high-level leaders in the UK, they expressed similar sentiments, acknowledging that solutions to global challenges in the coming years will emerge from India.”

“I am proud that the world’s trust in India is a reflection of the hard work of Indians living abroad and their service-oriented culture, work ethic, and contributions to the development of their host nations, all while staying away from political influences. This is the image of India and its people worldwide,” he added.

Birla attended a reception held in his honour at India House in London on Wednesday. India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was also present.

Earlier in the day, Birla met UK House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and highlighted India’s distinction as the “world’s largest and most vibrant democracy.” The Lok Sabha speaker congratulated Hoyle on his re-election as Speaker of the UK House of Commons.

Birla also attended a lunch hosted by Hoyle at the Palace of Westminster. He expressed confidence that ties between the two nations would be further strengthened through his visit.

The Lok Sabha speaker also met the UK’s Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Pat McFadden, and thanked him for his appreciation of India’s robust growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Birla is on a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Guernsey, an official statement said. During his visit to Scotland, Birla will meet Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, and John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland. He will also interact with cross-party Members of the Scottish Parliament, according to the statement.

On January 10, Birla will chair the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in Guernsey. He will preside over this meeting in his capacity as the host of the 28th CSPOC, scheduled to be held in India in 2026.

The LS speaker will also meet his counterparts from other Parliaments on the sidelines of this meeting.