The visit of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation has added a new dimension to bilateral relations between India and Barbados

*The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) will be held in New Delhi in January next year*

Gopendra Nath Bhatt

Bridgetown, Barbados, October 10, 2025: On the occasion of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Bridgetown, Barbados, an Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid a formal visit to the National Assembly of Barbados. Birla and members of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation were warmly welcomed by Arthur Holder, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados. On this occasion, the delegation members and Barbadian Parliamentarians discussed strengthening mutual cooperation, sharing democratic values, and enhancing partnership in global forums.

Om Birla also visited the historic Speaker's Chair installed in the Barbados Parliament, a gift from the Government of India to commemorate Barbados' independence in 1966. This Speaker's Chair symbolizes the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Barbados. Made from Indian teakwood, the Chair was hand-carved by twelve Indian artisans over a period of approximately one year. The Chair bears the inscription *From the People of India to the People of Barbados*, reflecting the enduring spirit of affection, cooperation, and friendship between the two countries.

On this occasion, Birla emphasized that the democratic traditions, parliamentary systems, and shared values ​​of India and Barbados are bringing the two countries closer. He described this historic monument as a "living example of India-Barbados friendship." Both sides agreed to explore new opportunities in the areas of education, culture, renewable energy, and parliamentary cooperation. Parliamentarians from both sides agreed that the visit of the Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Mr. Birla is an important step towards further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Barbados.

*Held bilateral meetings at the Parliamentary Conference*

*Invited counterparts to the 28th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference (CSPOC) to be held in Delhi*

During the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Birla held bilateral meetings with counterpart presiding officers from other legislatures participating in the Conference. During his meeting with Her Excellency Sue Lynes, President of the Australian Senate, the two leaders spoke about the growing cooperation between India and Australia, which has evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2020. Birla underlined that this partnership has been further strengthened through forums such as the G20 and the Commonwealth and is being pursued in several key areas, including defense, trade, renewable energy, and science and technology, reflecting the two countries' shared commitment to global peace and prosperity. Birla specifically highlighted initiatives in parliamentary innovation, such as the "Digital Parliament" and AI-powered multilingual tools, stating that these are enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the legislative process. Birla invited Sue Lyons to the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) to be held in New Delhi in January 2026.

The meeting between Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and His Excellency Arthur Holder, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados, discussed ongoing cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, G77, and CARICOM, where both countries support equitable and inclusive reforms. The meeting also discussed opportunities for enhancing parliamentary cooperation, emphasizing regular exchanges of delegations, adoption of best legislative practices, and the use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to promote more inclusive, people-centric legislatures. Mr. Birla invited His Excellency Mr. Holder to participate in the 28th CSPOC to be held in New Delhi in January 2026.

On the occasion of the 68th CPC, Birla also held discussions with Juliet Holness, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Jamaica. The two leaders discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation through regular exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance legislative transparency and efficiency. Birla invited Holness to participate in the 28th CSPOC to be held in New Delhi in January 2026.

Birla also held a cordial bilateral meeting with Nellie Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia. Mr. Birla noted that India and Zambia have long-standing friendly relations and both sides are exploring new avenues for enhanced parliamentary cooperation, including regular exchange of delegations and sharing of best legislative practices. Birla also shared India's experience in using technology and artificial intelligence to make parliamentary processes more people-centric. At the meeting, Birla extended a formal invitation to Her Excellency Ms. Mutti to participate in the 28th CSPOC to be held in New Delhi in January 2026.

*Addressed the Indian Community*

During his visit to Barbados, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla interacted with the Indian diaspora living there. Expressing his views on the occasion, he said that the Indian diaspora has built a strong identity and reputation across the world through their hard work and honesty. He further stated that the Indian community in Barbados celebrates festivals like Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri together, strengthening community bonds. Birla said that the teachings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, emphasizing dharma, satya, and duty, guide the Indian diaspora.

Referring to India's achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Birla said that today India leads the world in cutting-edge technologies such as space exploration, digital payments, and artificial intelligence. Mr. Birla also said that cricket is playing a cultural bridge between the two countries. He further noted that in recent years, the two countries have been closely cooperating in areas such as information technology, healthcare, and education. Mr. Birla encouraged those present to maintain a positive image of India through their actions. He also called on the new generation to teach their children Indian languages ​​and share their culture, ensuring that Indian culture lives on for generations.