INDIA HAS TURNED DIVERSITY INTO STRENGTH OF ITS DEMOCRACY: PM
New Delhi, Jan 15, 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said India has turned its diversity into the strength of its democracy, countering early doubts about the survival of democratic governance in such a vast and diverse nation. He underlined that democratic institutions and processes in India have delivered stability, speed and scale.
Highlighting the theme of the conference – Effective Delivery of Parliamentary Democracy – the Prime Minister said that in India, democracy goes beyond elections and ensures last-mile delivery of welfare. He said democratic governance in the country has helped lift around 25 crore people out of poverty in recent years.
The Prime Minister noted the unique role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in parliamentary democracies, describing patience and fairness as their defining traits. He said their responsibility lies in ensuring that every voice is heard through debate and dialogue.
Recalling the historical significance of the venue, PM Modi said the Central Hall had witnessed the drafting of the Constitution and served as India’s Parliament for 75 years after Independence. He said naming it Samvidhan Sadan reflects India’s continued commitment to democratic values.
Referring to India’s economic and institutional progress, the Prime Minister said the country has demonstrated that democracy and development can go hand in hand. He cited India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy, the world’s largest digital payments ecosystem, a leading vaccine producer, and a major global hub for startups, infrastructure and manufacturing.
Emphasising the scale of Indian democracy, PM Modi pointed to the 2024 general elections, calling them the largest democratic exercise in human history, with nearly 980 million registered voters. He also highlighted the growing leadership role of women in Indian democracy, noting their strong presence in elected bodies from the grassroots to the highest constitutional offices.
The Prime Minister said India’s democratic tradition is rooted in centuries-old practices of debate, consultation and collective decision-making. Comparing democracy to a large tree with deep roots, he said India’s democratic values have been tested and strengthened over generations.
On the global front, PM Modi said India is consistently raising the concerns of the Global South on international platforms. He recalled that during India’s G20 Presidency, issues of the Global South were placed at the centre of the global agenda. He said India is working to ensure that innovation, technology and development models benefit partner nations, including through open-source digital platforms.
Highlighting the role of technology in parliamentary functioning, the Prime Minister said India has begun using artificial intelligence to translate parliamentary proceedings into regional languages in real time. He said such initiatives are helping citizens, especially the youth, better understand democratic processes.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen cooperation among Commonwealth legislatures and enrich democratic practices through shared learning.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Tulia Ackson and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Christopher Kalila were among the dignitaries present.
The conference is being attended by 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments.