BRICS Parliamentary Forum: Global Leaders Converge on New Delhi
Foreign delegations from BRICS member and partner nations arrive in New Delhi for the 12th Parliamentary Forum hosted by India.
The national capital has turned into a hub of international diplomacy as foreign delegations from BRICS partner and member countries arrived at the Parliament complex on Monday. The visit is part of the 12th BRICS parliamentary forum, hosted by the Parliament of India, aiming to foster cooperation and address the pressing challenges facing the developing world.
A Grand Welcome for Global Dignitaries
The atmosphere at the Parliament complex was one of warmth and hospitality as officials and Members of Parliament received the visiting dignitaries. Among the arriving delegations were representatives from Russia and Brazil—both full members of the BRICS forum—as well as delegations from Uganda and Cuba, who were inducted as partner countries in 2025.
Adding to the significance of the event, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also arrived at the venue to participate in the high-level proceedings. MPs Rajeev Rai and Naresh Bansal were among those leading the welcome for the international guests.
The Weight of BRICS: Economic and Global Impact
Speaking on the importance of the gathering, RS MP Naresh Bansal highlighted the massive global footprint of the forum. He noted that the collective strength of the member nations represents nearly half of the world's population and accounts for approximately 40% of the global GDP.
Furthermore, the forum contributes nearly 24% to global trade, making it a powerhouse of economic influence. MP Bansal emphasized that with India currently holding the presidency and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the forum is a critical platform for tackling global issues, especially those impacting developing nations.
Challenging Global Dominance
The forum is not just about economic cooperation but also about geopolitical balance. MP Rajeev Rai expressed hope that the discussions in New Delhi would lead to a unified voice capable of balancing the "overbearing influence" of the United States.
Rai stressed that when it comes to foreign policy, peace, and development, the participating nations stand united, asserting that there is no place for "petty politics or barbs" when national interests and global stability are at stake.
Event Highlights and High-Level Meetings
The two-day event has seen the participation of parliamentary delegations from 11 member countries and 10 partner nations. The proceedings officially kicked off at 10:00 AM today with an inaugural address delivered by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairman of the Forum, Om Birla.
The diplomatic engagements are set to intensify as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with the visiting Speakers and Heads of Delegations from both member and partner countries later today, further cementing India's role as a leader in the Global South.