In an unprecedented display of India’s democratic might, over 130 Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) from 24 states and 21 political parties are set to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Summit in Boston, USA, from August 4 to 6, 2025. Facilitated by the National Legislators’ Conference Bharat (NLC Bharat), this historic delegation marks the largest-ever Indian legislative presence at a global forum, showcasing the country’s diverse and vibrant democratic leadership on an international stage.
This milestone builds on the success of NLC Bharat’s inaugural conference in Mumbai in June 2023, where legislators from across India gathered to exchange ideas and enhance legislative effectiveness. The 2024 NCSL Summit in Louisville saw 50 Indian legislators participate, a groundbreaking effort not led by the government but by NLC Bharat’s non-partisan vision. This year’s delegation, nearly triple in size, includes prominent figures like Shri Arjun Singh Raju from Jammu and Kashmir, MLC Manjunath Bhandary from Karnataka, and 13 legislators from Haryana, reflecting India’s commitment to cross-border learning and global democratic engagement.
The NCSL Summit, attended by over 7,000 lawmakers worldwide, offers a platform for Indian legislators to engage in high-level discussions on critical topics such as artificial intelligence in governance, digital democracy, cybersecurity, voter trust, and policy innovation. The itinerary also includes academic sessions on U.S. legislative systems, visits to state assemblies, and interactions with Indian-origin leaders in politics, academia, and industry. These engagements aim to foster dialogue between the world’s two largest democracies and strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora.
Dr. Rahul Karad, Founder of NLC Bharat, emphasized the delegation’s significance: “This is a living testament to Bharat’s democratic strength and unity in diversity. Our legislators carry the aspirations of over a billion citizens, blending ancient wisdom with modern governance. Our goal is to build bridges across democracies, learning and sharing best practices to elevate India’s global democratic leadership.”
NLC Bharat, launched in 2023 with support from former Lok Sabha speakers and state legislative leaders, is a pioneering platform for empowering Indian legislators through education, training, and international cooperation. The Boston summit is part of a broader vision to create regular international exposure programs, with future visits planned to Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This initiative aims to build a globally connected legislative ecosystem, enhancing India’s democratic credentials and positioning it as a leader in democratic innovation.
The delegation’s diversity—spanning states like Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir, and parties across the political spectrum—underscores India’s inclusive democratic fabric. As legislators like Karnataka’s MLC Manjunath Bhandary, attending his second NCSL Summit, prepare to share insights and learn from global peers, India is poised to make a lasting impact on the world stage, fostering collaboration and innovation in governance.
Also Read: US Sanctions Threaten India's Oil Bill Surge