Indian Delegation at 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

The Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla is set to attend the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Bridgetown, Barbados from 5 to 12 October 2025. This event brings together parliamentarians from Commonwealth countries to discuss parliamentary democracy, cooperation, and shared challenges.

Composition of the Indian Delegation

The delegation includes senior members from both Houses of Parliament. Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, Lok Sabha MPs Shri Anurag Sharma, Dr. D. Purandeswari, Dr. K. Sudhakar, Rajya Sabha MPs Smt. Rekha Sharma and Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade are part of the team. Secretaries General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh and Shri P.C. Mody respectively, also join the delegation. Additionally, 36 Presiding Officers and 16 Secretaries from 24 State and Union Territory Legislatures will participate.

Key Themes and Activities

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla will address the General Assembly on The Commonwealth
A Global Partner. The conference will feature seven workshops covering diverse subjects. Shri Birla will chair the workshop titled Leveraging Technology – Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide. This marks the growing focus on digital tools in parliamentary governance.

Committee Meetings and Representation

The Executive Committee meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) will take place during the conference. Shri Anurag Sharma, as CPA Treasurer, and Shri Bishwajit Daimary, Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly and Regional Representative, will attend. Dr. D. Purandeswari will represent India at the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee meeting and participate as a panellist in the session on Good Practices and Strategies to Realising Gender-Sensitive Parliaments across the Commonwealth.

Bilateral Engagements and Diaspora Interaction

The Lok Sabha Speaker will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from other Commonwealth countries to discuss parliamentary cooperation and mutual interests. He is also expected to meet the leadership of Barbados and engage with the Indian diaspora residing there. These interactions aim to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties.

Significance of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

The CPC serves as a platform for parliamentarians to share best practices, promote democratic values, and address common challenges. It encourages collaboration on issues like digital transformation, gender equality, and governance reforms. India’s active participation reflects its commitment to global parliamentary dialogue.