28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), held from January 14–16, 2026, in New Delhi.

The event took place in the historic Samvidhan Sadan (the former Parliament building), marking a significant moment in India’s democratic diplomacy.

## Why is this in the news?

1. Hosting Milestone: India hosted this prestigious gathering for the fourth time (previous years: 1970, 1986, and 2010), bringing together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth nations.
2. Global Leadership: The conference served as a platform for India to reiterate its role as the “Mother of Democracy” and a champion for the Global South.
3. Thematic Focus: The main theme was “Effective Delivery of Parliamentary Democracy,” with a heavy emphasis on how technology like AI can modernize legislatures.

## Key Points from PM Modi’s Address:

1. Democracy as a “Delivery Mechanism”:

• Last-Mile Delivery: The PM emphasized that in India, democracy is not just about voting but ensuring welfare reaches every citizen. He cited the lifting of 25 crore (250 million) people out of poverty as proof that “democracy delivers.”
• Stability & Scale: He countered historical doubts by stating that India’s democratic processes provide the “stability, speed, and scale” necessary for its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

2. Championing the Global South:

• Open-Source Governance: In a major move, PM Modi announced that India is building open-source technology platforms (like UPI and digital public infra) to help fellow Global South and Commonwealth nations develop their own digital governance systems without being dependent on proprietary software.
• Representation: He reminded delegates that India placed the Global South at the center of the global agenda during its G20 Presidency.

3. The Strength of Diversity:

• Diversity as Power: Rather than a challenge, India has turned its immense diversity—languages, religions, and cultures—into a democratic strength.
• Historical Roots: He traced India’s democratic ethos back 5,000 years to the Vedas and the Buddhist Sanghas, comparing the nation’s democracy to a “large tree with deep roots.”

4. Modernizing Parliaments:

• Role of AI: The PM highlighted India’s use of AI for real-time translation of parliamentary debates into regional languages, making the legislative process accessible to the youth and the common man.
• Women in Leadership: He noted the record participation of women in the 2024 elections and highlighted that India’s President and the Delhi Chief Minister are women, alongside 1.5 million elected women representatives at the grassroots level