India’s parliamentary delegation took an active role in discussions at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference being held in Cape Town, South Africa from 12 to 19 September 2026. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat confirmed that Indian lawmakers engaged with counterparts from other Commonwealth nations on topics ranging from fair trade to gender equality and disability inclusion in parliaments.
What India’s representatives discussed
Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, attended the main conference session focused on promoting dialogue between parliaments on fair trade in diverse economies and addressing inequality within the Commonwealth. He also held separate talks with Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who heads South Africa’s National Council of Provinces, to discuss matters of shared parliamentary concern and strengthen ties between the two nations.
On gender representation, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, chaired a session on intergenerational equality and the future of parliamentary democracy. Vijender Gupta, Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, led a joint workshop bringing together women parliamentarians, members from smaller legislatures, and parliamentarians with disabilities to discuss how parliaments can deliver inclusive measures despite budget constraints.
Indian speakers highlighted specific national experiences. Kulthar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, discussed India’s digital payment systems and efforts to improve credit access and support for farmers. Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti, a Lok Sabha member, stressed India’s support for an open and rules-based international trading system and suggested changes to World Trade Organization dispute procedures.
Other Indian delegates, including Rajya Sabha member C. Sadanandan Master and Kerala’s Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, contributed to sessions on making parliaments accessible to people with disabilities. Namita Mundada, a Maharashtra legislator, shared her state’s experience of establishing creche facilities within the Legislative Assembly to support working parents.
What this means for you
India’s active participation demonstrates the country’s engagement in international forums where lawmakers share ideas on governance and development. The discussions on fair trade, disability access, and support for farmers reflect policy priorities that affect citizens across India. The sharing of India’s parliamentary practices with Commonwealth nations also positions Indian legislative experience as a model for other democracies.