PM Narendra Modi Interacts with Dignitaries at 28th Commonwealth Speakers Conference in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets and Interacts with Dignitaries at the 28th CSPOC

January 15, 2026 | Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex, New Delhi

Introduction

On January 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. The event brought together parliamentary leaders from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing parliamentary practices. 1

Welcome and Interactions

Upon arriving at the venue, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by prominent dignitaries, including Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh. The Prime Minister also interacted with international delegates and Speakers from Commonwealth countries present at the conference. 2

Conference Overview

The 28th CSPOC, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, witnessed participation from 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers representing 42 Commonwealth countries and delegations from four semi-autonomous parliaments. The conference focuses on key parliamentary topics including the role of Speakers in democratic governance, the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on legislative processes, and strategies to increase public engagement with parliamentary democracy. 3

Prime Minister’s Address

In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the historical importance of Samvidhan Sadan — the place where India’s Constituent Assembly once met to frame the Constitution. He emphasized the strength and scale of India’s democratic institutions and the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen parliamentary democracy globally. 4

Significance of the Event

The CSPOC serves as a key platform for sharing best practices and fostering cooperation among Commonwealth parliaments. This edition in India — one of the largest in terms of participation — reflects the country’s growing role in international parliamentary engagement and democratic dialogue. 5

Conclusion

The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth provided a meaningful forum for parliamentary leaders to exchange ideas and engage in dialogue on contemporary challenges facing representative institutions. Prime Minister Modi’s interaction with dignitaries and global delegates underscored India’s commitment to collaborative democratic engagement and inclusive parliamentary practice. 6