The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), established in 1889 and headquartered in Geneva, is the global organisation of national parliaments, with India represented through the Indian Parliamentary Group and holding Permanent Observer Status at the United Nations since 2002.
NEWS: Indian Parliamentary Delegation attended the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania (5–9 October 2026).
ABOUT IPU
- Global organisation of national parliaments.
- Established → 1889 by Frédéric Passy + William Randal Cremer.
- Headquarters → Geneva, Switzerland.
- Members → 183 Member Parliaments + 15 Associate Members.
- India → Full member.
MANDATE
- Promote → democratic governance + gender equality + youth participation.
- Supports → sustainable development + parliamentary dialogue.
INDIA & IPU
- Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) → India’s National Group in IPU.
- Formed → 1949.
- President → Speaker of Lok Sabha (ex-officio).
UN RELATIONSHIP
- Permanent Observer Status at United Nations General Assembly → 2002.
- Recognised as the world organisation of parliaments.
GOVERNANCE
- Assembly → main political body; meets twice a year.
- Governing Council → elects IPU President for 3-year non-renewable term.