Members of Parliament from the federal and state level in India met for the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Regional Conference in Bengaluru, India from 11 to 15 September 2025.  

Hosted by the Karnataka State Legislature on behalf of the CPA India Region, the Regional Conference brought together Parliamentarians to share their experiences of parliamentary democracy. The theme of the Regional Conference was ‘Debates and Discussions in the Houses of Legislature: Building people’s trust and meeting people’s aspirations’. 

The Chairperson of the CPA India Region, Hon. Om Birla MP, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India officially opened the Regional Conference on the iconic steps of the Vidhana Soudha and spoke to delegates of India as the largest functioning democracy in the world. 

He expressed gratitude to the Karnataka Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly for hosting the Conference and said: 

“India's democratic tradition is based on diversity and dialogue. The dignity of parliamentary tradition remains only when there are long discussions and meaningful dialogues in the House. Disagreement is natural, but despite differences we all have the responsibility to collectively create better policies for our nation, state and the public. 

It is the responsibility of every member to improve the working system of the legislative assembly. If our debates are constructive and factual, then the government will be more empowering, and the trust of the public will remain unbreakable.”

Attendees were also welcomed by Hon. Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka; Hon. Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha; Hon. Basavaraj Shivalingappa Horatti, MLC, Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council and Hon. U.T Khader Fareed, MLA, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. 

The Conference was attended by 37 Presiding Officers from 26 of India’s States and Union Territories, including Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons and Members of Parliament. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg attended the Regional Conference and met with Speakers and Members from CPA Branches in the CPA India Region. 

The Conference highlighted the importance of enhancing the participation of women and youth in Legislatures and strengthening the connection between people and their representatives. Delegates also discussed issues such as parliamentary capacity building, training in legislative drafting, holding briefing sessions on Bills and strengthening parliamentary committees.

At the Conference closing ceremony, Hon. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, emphasised the vital role of legislative debates in fostering public trust and fulfilling citizens’ expectations: 

“I commend the event’s organizers and participants, including presiding officers from various States and Union Territories, for productive deliberations. I would urge lawmakers to prioritise constructive discussions on crucial public welfare issues like education and health. Enhanced training for legislators, greater use of technology in assemblies and ethical conduct are critical if we are to strengthen the capacity of our legislatures.” 

CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg also addressed delegates during the closing ceremony: 

“I’m delighted to have been able to attend the 11th CPA India Regional Conference in Bengaluru, and I congratulate the CPA India Region on organising such a successful and useful event. Regional Conferences such as this one are critical for allowing legislators from across Commonwealth to come together, and to tackle important issues like those highlighted in this week’s theme of building people’s trust and meeting people’s aspirations.” 

Members were also briefed on the workshops and events taking place at the forthcoming 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference due to take place in Bridgetown, Barbados in October 2025. 

The CPA India Region comprises the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (the Federal Parliament of India) and the 31 State Legislatures of India. The CPA India Region is one of the nine CPA Regions and is represented on the CPA International Executive Committee by three Regional Representatives.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.