BRICS Parliamentary Forum: India Sets Stage for Global Dialogue in New Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla meets Russian delegation ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum focusing on people-centric development.
The Parliament House Complex in New Delhi is all set to host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum starting tomorrow. The high-profile event will gather legislative leaders from member nations to deliberate on the theme of “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to grace the event on Monday, where he will meet with the leaders of the visiting delegations.
India-Russia Ties Take Center Stage
In the lead-up to the two-day forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a significant bilateral meeting with the Russian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, Speaker Birla described the friendship between India and Russia as "special and time-tested," built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared aspirations. He specifically noted that the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership has reached new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, especially as the two nations approach 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Combatting Terrorism and Global Reform
A primary focus of the discussions between Birla and Volodin was the urgent need for global unity against terrorism. Birla expressed gratitude for Russia's consistent support in India's fight against terror and urged the international community to show resolve in ensuring global peace.
The conversation also touched upon the necessity of reforming international institutions to reflect current global realities. Speaker Birla reiterated the need for reforms within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and thanked Russia for its ongoing support of India's bid for a permanent seat on the Council.
Push for Parliamentary Diplomacy
Speaker Birla emphasized that institutional engagement is key to maintaining strong bilateral ties. He proposed several initiatives to deepen the bond between the Lok Sabha and the State Duma, including:
- Regular meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission.
- Frequent exchanges of parliamentary delegations.
- Special focus on exchanges involving women and young parliamentarians.
Looking ahead to India's BRICS Presidency in 2026, Birla called for Russia's active participation in enhancing cooperation among BRICS parliaments, stressing a "people-centric approach" to tackle challenges like climate change.
Trade, Energy, and Cultural Bonds
Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin highlighted the expanding horizons of cooperation in agriculture, industry, and trade. He stressed the importance of removing barriers to investment and promoting joint business ventures to boost economic ties.
Both leaders agreed that cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts remain vital pillars of the relationship. Additionally, Speaker Birla pointed toward untapped opportunities for further collaboration in the industrial and nuclear energy sectors.
Broadening the Horizon
The diplomatic activity didn't stop with Russia. Speaker Om Birla also held productive and enriching discussions with parliamentary delegations from Belarus, Egypt, and Cuba, further expanding the diplomatic outreach ahead of the main forum.
What to Expect at the Forum
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is designed to facilitate consensus-based dialogue through four high-level sessions. These sessions will focus on four critical pillars:
- Resilience
- Innovation
- Cooperation
- Sustainability