In a move reviving a long-lost diplomatic practice, India will send two parliamentary delegations to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this month. The decision, approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, marks the return of the Non-Official Parliamentary Delegation program, which allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to participate in global deliberations.

The first group, led by BJP MP and Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on ‘One Nation One Election,’ P.P. Chaudhary, will visit New York from October 8–14. Each of the two delegations will include 15 MPs, representing diverse political parties. The second group will depart later in October.

The initiative underscores India’s renewed commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement, giving legislators a direct role in discussions shaping global policy. The delegations will attend UN sessions, interact with India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, and engage with counterparts from other nations, reflecting India’s democratic values and growing global stature.

Members of the first delegation include P.P. Chaudhary (Leader), Anil Baluni, Captain Brijesh Chowta, Nishikant Dubey, Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, S. Phangnon Konyak, Medha Vishram Kulkarni, Poonam Ben Maadam, Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, Vivek Tankha, T. Sumathy, Sribharat Mathukumilli, Kumari Selja, N.K. Premachandran, and Rajeev Rai.

India last sent such delegations in 2004, a practice that had once been an integral part of its foreign policy engagement. Notable leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani had represented India at the UNGA, reinforcing the link between parliamentary democracy and global diplomacy.

The revival of this practice signals India’s determination to strengthen its voice on international platforms and encourage lawmakers to contribute to discussions on global peace, development, and governance.