BRICS Parliamentary Forum Ends in Delhi: Major Win for India on Terror and UN Reform
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum ends in New Delhi with a joint declaration on counter-terrorism, UN reform, and AI governance.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum has officially concluded in New Delhi, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for India. Inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the two-day event culminated on Tuesday with the adoption of a comprehensive Joint Declaration that mirrors India's strategic priorities and its vision for a more equitable global order.
A Bold Stand Against Terrorism and for Global Reform
One of the most critical outcomes of the forum was the robust language adopted regarding national security. In a major victory for New Delhi, the Joint Declaration explicitly condemned cross-border terrorism, the financing of terror, and the existence of safe havens for militants. The member nations demanded a policy of zero tolerance and a definitive end to the "double standards" often seen in international counter-terrorism efforts.
Beyond security, the forum focused heavily on the architecture of global governance. Reaffirming the consensus of the New Delhi Declaration (NDD), the member parliaments issued a strong endorsement for the reform of the UN Security Council. The goal is to ensure that global decision-making bodies are more representative of the Global South, reflecting the current geopolitical reality rather than an outdated post-war structure.
Digital Future and Climate Responsibility
The final text of the declaration deeply embedded several India-led initiatives, particularly in the realms of technology and environment. Key highlights include:
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): A push for the expansion of DPI repositories to benefit developing nations.
- AI Governance: A call for the ethical governance of Artificial Intelligence to ensure technology serves humanity.
- Climate Action: A commitment to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), ensuring that climate goals are met fairly based on national circumstances.
Om Birla’s Vision: Dialogue Over Conflict
In his valedictory address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered a poignant message to the international parliamentarians and delegates. He emphasized that the world is currently grappling with instability, economic uncertainty, and regional conflicts, but argued that these cannot be solved through war.
"Permanent solutions are forged in dialogue, not war; in peace, not conflict; and in collaboration, rather than competition," Birla stated.
He reminded the leaders that the younger generation will eventually judge current policymakers by the state of the world they inherit, urging a global framework built on absolute respect for national sovereignty and justice for all.
The Evolving Role of Parliaments
Speaker Birla also touched upon the changing nature of democratic institutions. He argued that parliaments must evolve beyond being mere law-making bodies to become centers of accountability and public trust. He suggested that while AI and digital tools can optimize parliamentary workflows and increase citizen participation, they must be implemented with a strict adherence to ethics, transparency, and human values.
Looking Ahead
As the forum closed, the member nations expressed their unanimous support for India’s BRICS Chairship. Looking toward the future, Speaker Birla extended his congratulations and best wishes to China, which is set to assume the BRICS chair for the year 2027, expressing confidence in continued cooperation among the coalition members to benefit the wider international community.