“CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India ePress / ITDC News Bhopal:” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honored with Guyana’s highest civilian award, ‘The Order of Excellence’, is set to address a special session of the country’s Parliament on Thursday. This significant event marks PM Modi’s 14th address in a foreign Parliament, reinforcing his role as a key global statesman and highlighting India’s expanding influence on the international stage.
PM Modi now holds the distinction of being the Indian Prime Minister with the highest number of addresses in foreign Parliaments. His 14th speech doubles the tally of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who addressed seven foreign legislative bodies. Previous Indian leaders have also made notable contributions: Indira Gandhi addressed foreign legislatures four times, Jawaharlal Nehru three times, Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee twice each, while Morarji Desai and P. V. Narasimha Rao each spoke once.
Over the years, PM Modi has delivered speeches in legislative chambers across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia. His extensive engagements reflect India’s strategic outreach and its growing role in global affairs. Notably, Modi has addressed the US Congress twice—in 2016 and 2023—demonstrating the strengthening ties between India and the United States.
In 2014, PM Modi addressed the Parliaments of Australia and Fiji, signaling India’s commitment to strengthening relationships within the Asia-Pacific region. The following year, he spoke before the British Parliament, further solidifying India’s historic ties with the United Kingdom.
Modi’s influence extends to Africa, where he addressed the National Assembly of Mauritius in 2015 and the Parliament of Uganda in 2018, highlighting India’s dedication to fostering partnerships across the continent. In Asia, his speeches include a joint session of the Bhutanese Parliament and Nepal Constituent Assembly in 2014, as well as addresses to the Parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Afghanistan in 2015, and the Maldives in 2019.
“These addresses are a testament to India’s growing influence and our commitment to fostering strong international relationships,” said a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. “Prime Minister Modi’s engagement with global legislative bodies underscores India’s pivotal role in shaping international policies and promoting global cooperation.”
As PM Modi prepares to deliver his 14th address in Guyana, his consistent efforts to engage with foreign parliaments underscore India’s strategic vision for global leadership and its aspiration to play a more prominent role in international governance. This latest address not only honors his achievements but also sets the stage for future collaborations and partnerships that will drive India’s growth and its contribution to global progress.
The special session in Guyana’s Parliament will cover a range of topics, including bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional security, reflecting the multifaceted nature of India’s international diplomacy under PM Modi’s leadership.
