New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi, asserting that India has transformed its immense diversity into the greatest strength of its democratic system.
Addressing delegates from across the Commonwealth, Modi highlighted the unique role of Speakers in parliamentary democracies, describing them as guardians of dialogue who ensure every voice is heard with patience and fairness. He recalled that the historic Central Hall, now renamed Samvidhan Sadan, had witnessed the framing of India’s Constitution and decades of parliamentary debates that shaped the nation.
According to an official release, the Prime Minister said India had disproved early doubts about democracy surviving in a country of such diversity, showing instead that democratic institutions deliver stability, speed and scale. He underlined that in India, democracy translates into last-mile delivery, ensuring that development reaches every citizen without discrimination.
Modi said India’s democratic ethos had helped lift nearly 25 crore people out of poverty and enabled the country to respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic while supporting other nations. He noted that India today represents the largest democratic exercise in human history, with nearly 980 million registered voters and record participation by women.
Describing India’s democracy as a large tree supported by deep roots, the Prime Minister traced the nation’s tradition of debate and collective decision-making to ancient texts and historical assemblies. He said India’s democratic values have been refined over centuries and strengthened across generations.
Highlighting India’s global role, Modi said the country continues to amplify the voice of the Global South on international platforms, including during its G20 Presidency. He added that India is sharing its digital and governance innovations with partner nations to build inclusive and open systems.
The three-day conference brings together Speakers and Presiding Officers from over 40 Commonwealth countries to deliberate on strengthening parliamentary institutions, the use of technology in legislatures, and ways to deepen public engagement with democracy.
