India hosted the 28th CSPOC in New Delhi from 14 to 16 January 2026. CSPOC stands for the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth. Notably, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the conference. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on 15 January. So, India hosted the forum for the first time in 16 years.
Record Participation
All India Radio reported 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries. In addition, four semi-autonomous Parliaments joined. After the event, Birla hailed “a record number of 60 Speakers and Presiding Officers”. Also, about 200 delegates attended. Further, Birla held bilateral talks with Speakers from many countries.
Agenda of the Conference
The agenda covered four themes. First, delegates discussed the role of Speakers in keeping democratic institutions strong. Next, they took up the use of artificial intelligence in Parliament. Also, they discussed the impact of social media on Members of Parliament. Finally, they explored ways to boost public understanding of Parliament beyond voting.
PM Modi at Samvidhan Sadan
Modi opened the conference in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. There, he said democratic institutions give democracy “stability, speed and scale”. Moreover, he said India keeps “raising the concerns of the Global South on every global platform”. Also, he noted that this was India’s fourth time hosting the CSPOC.
Latest Update
The conference concluded on 16 January 2026. In his valedictory address, Birla called for transparent, inclusive and accountable institutions. Then, he handed the chairmanship to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons. So, London will host the 29th CSPOC. Later, a 120-member delegation from 40 countries visited Jaipur.
About the CSPOC
The CSPOC is a forum of Speakers and Presiding Officers of national Parliaments in the Commonwealth. Notably, it began in 1969. Also, it promotes impartiality of Speakers and the growth of parliamentary democracy.
28th CSPOC: Key Facts for Revision
- Dates: 14–16 January 2026
- Venue: New Delhi; inaugurated at Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan
- Chair: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
- Inaugurated by: PM Narendra Modi on 15 January 2026
- India’s hosting: Fourth time, first in 16 years
- Next host: London (29th CSPOC), chair Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Why the 28th CSPOC Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, the conference showcased India’s parliamentary diplomacy. So, remember the dates, the chair and the next host. Also, link it with the four agenda themes on AI and social media. For official updates, also visit the Parliament of India. Next, for a related story, read about AIPOC 2026 in Lucknow.
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