On December 18, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, who was on an official visit to India on December18-20, 2021, met in New Delhi with Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (India’s lower chamber of parliament). 

The Tajik MFA information department says that praising the current state of inter-parliamentary relations, Mr. Om Birla stressed the need for further expansion, and strengthening the legal framework, revival of the inter-parliamentary friendship group and exchange of official delegations to discuss the priority issues of mutual interest and reciprocal trust between the two friendly countries.

During the meeting, Muhriddin reportedly emphasized the importance of further deepening relations between the parliaments of the two countries to facilitate the expansion of cooperation in the political, economic, trade and medicine, the exchange of experience, as well the increase of educational scholarships.

The parties also exchanged views on a number of regional and international organizations being of mutual interest.

Indian media reports say that they parties had a long and healthy discussion on many important issues ranging from the historic relations that both countries enjoy to the democratic values in which both nations have a strong belief.

At this juncture Speaker Om Birla reportedly declared that a special training session on Parliamentary Affairs would be organized for Tajik Parliamentarians.

Birla and Muhriddin reportedly also discussed the role of Indian students studying medicine in Tajikistan in establishing a strong bond between the two nations.  Birla expressed his gratitude on behalf of India for the good steps taken by Tajikistan for the welfare of Indian students and said that lot of Tajik students also visit India for medical tourism.

Birla spoke about how Indian languages and Yoga is getting popular in Tajikistan.  He further added that both nations have tremendous opportunities in tourism and both need to exploit these opportunities.

Meanwhile, ANI says Muhriddin earlier in the day met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation in energy, connectivity, trade, security and capacity building.

The ministers reportedly also signed agreements on diplomatic training and program of cooperation.  "Productive discussions with my friend, Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin.  Exchanged views on expanding our bilateral cooperation in energy, connectivity, trade, security and capacity building. Valued his insights on regional developments," Jaishankar tweeted.