The Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, continued its participation in the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania on October 8, 2026. The delegation attended debates on the emergency item "Urgent parliamentary action to address climate-related disasters and strengthen resilience in the Himalayan region and other vulnerable regions," which was proposed by Nepal and adopted the previous day. Dr. Anurag Singh Thakur participated in this debate and expressed India's support for the initiative while presenting India's official position.
The delegation also participated in the General Debate on "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all." Dr. Thakur attended meetings of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, conveying India's position on future subject items for committee resolutions. Dr. Sasmit Patra attended the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs and participated in a panel discussion on "The UN machinery for conflict prevention and resolution: How does it work?" He also attended hearings with candidates for IPU President ahead of the election scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Dr. Lata Wankhede attended the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development and participated in a panel discussion on "Artificial intelligence and the future of work." The Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha attended the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments meeting and participated in discussions about parliamentary funding and budget allocation processes, specifically apprising participants about the Indian Parliament's budgetary procedures.
On October 9, 2026, Australian House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick was elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Following the announcement, Shri Harivansh and other Indian delegation members personally congratulated him and wished him success in his tenure as IPU President.
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