An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, is participating in the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 12 to 19, 2026. The delegation comprises seven Members of Parliament (one from Rajya Sabha and six from Lok Sabha) along with Shri P. C. Mody, Secretary General of Rajya Sabha. Additionally, 32 Presiding Officers and 18 Secretaries from State/UT Legislatures of India who are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association are also attending the conference.
Shri Harivansh arrived in Cape Town and held bilateral meetings with South African parliamentary leaders including Hon. Angela Thokozile Didiza (Speaker of the National Assembly), Hon. Poobalan Govender (Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces), and Hon. Annelie Lotriet (Deputy Speaker of National Assembly). These meetings focused on exchanging views on mutual parliamentary interests and strengthening bilateral parliamentary relations between India and South Africa.
Dr. D. Purandeswari, MP from Lok Sabha, attended the CPA Executive Committee meeting where she presented India's views and perspectives on various matters concerning the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The conference features six main workshops addressing contemporary issues relevant to Commonwealth legislatures. Shri Harivansh will address the General Assembly on the theme "New Leadership Opportunities for the Commonwealth: Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law."
India's participation demonstrates its commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy, legislative cooperation, and inter-parliamentary engagement within the Commonwealth framework while deepening parliamentary ties with South Africa. The delegation will continue participating in General Assembly sessions and workshops addressing issues of global and parliamentary relevance throughout the conference duration.