Foreign Committee Chair Samkharadze Discusses South Caucasus Political Priorities in India

Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee Nikoloz Samkharadze on Tuesday led a discussion organised by one of India’s leading think tanks, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), focusing on Georgia’s foreign policy priorities and regional developments in the South Caucasus.

Delivering remarks on Georgia’s strategic objectives, Samkharadze highlighted the situation in the Russian-occupied regions, the country’s policy of non-recognition and Georgia’s peaceful plan for restoring its territorial integrity. He also addressed the progress and challenges related to Georgia’s European Union and NATO integration processes.

The committee chair emphasised the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and expanding free trade agreements with countries around the world, including India. He noted that strengthening economic ties was a key component of Georgia’s long-term development strategy.

Samkharadze also discussed the drivers of Georgia’s economic growth, the country’s investment potential and major regional energy and logistics initiatives, including the Middle Corridor - a strategic East–West trade route linking Europe and Asia.

Following his presentation, the discussion continued in a Q&A format, covering priority areas of Georgia–India cooperation, the security environment in the Black Sea region, the impact of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and Georgia’s important role as a mediator. Participants also discussed UN reform and the role of both large and small states in an emerging multipolar world order.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps accredited in India, as well as representatives of the media and academic community.

Samkharadze is currently in India as part of a parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.