New Delhi, October 3, 2026: Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh has left for Arusha, Tanzania, to lead the Indian Parliamentary Delegation at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its associated meetings.
The international parliamentary gathering is scheduled to take place from October 5 to 9, 2026, bringing legislators from different countries together for discussions on democracy, governance, development and other global issues.
The central theme of this year’s IPU Assembly is “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
Nine-Member Indian Delegation
The Indian delegation comprises nine Members of Parliament from both Houses. Apart from Harivansh, the delegation includes Lok Sabha MPs Anurag Singh Thakur, Aparajita Sarangi, Sanjay Jaiswal, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Lata Wankhede, Bijuli Kalita Medhi and N. K. Premachandran, along with Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra.
The delegation is expected to participate in several meetings, panel discussions and workshops during the five-day programme. The engagements will cover a broad range of international and contemporary issues, providing an opportunity for India to present its perspectives in a multilateral parliamentary forum.
Harivansh to Participate in Key IPU Sessions
As leader of the Indian delegation, Harivansh will take part in the IPU Governing Council, the General Debate and discussions on the emergency item.
He will also participate in the hearing involving candidates for the position of IPU President, one of the key proceedings scheduled during the Assembly.
Other members of the Indian delegation will contribute to discussions covering areas such as democracy and human rights, peace and international security, sustainable development and women’s participation.
The agenda will also include emerging subjects such as science and technology, counter-terrorism, health and mental health, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and the future of work.
Discussions to Cover Global Challenges
The Indian delegation will further engage in deliberations on maritime security, climate change and the protection of mountain and ocean ecosystems, among other issues.
The wide-ranging agenda reflects the role of parliamentary forums in discussing challenges that extend across national boundaries and require international cooperation.
India’s participation at the 153rd IPU Assembly also underlines its continued engagement with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the broader process of parliamentary diplomacy.
Through its participation, the Indian delegation is expected to contribute to multilateral discussions on peace, development, democracy, international cooperation and community empowerment.
The IPU Assembly in Arusha will provide another platform for parliamentarians from around the world to exchange views, discuss common challenges and explore areas of cooperation among legislatures
