Om Birla Opens 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla opens the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, focusing on people-centric development and global governance.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has officially inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26, 2026, marking a significant moment for India's parliamentary diplomacy. The prestigious event is being hosted at the historic Constitution Hall in New Delhi, bringing together a diverse group of global leaders to discuss the future of governance and international cooperation.
A Gathering of Global Legislators
The two-day summit has seen an impressive turnout, with delegates arriving from 11 BRICS member countries and 10 partner nations. The forum is centered around the core theme, "Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development," emphasizing the role of legislative bodies in improving the lives of citizens across borders.
In his opening address, Speaker Birla expressed that it was a privilege for India to host the forum within the walls of the Constitution Hall. He noted that welcoming parliamentary delegations to the world's largest democracy highlights a shared commitment to cooperation, mutual respect, and the democratic values that bind these nations together.
Key Agenda and High-Level Discussions
The forum, which continues through October 27, is structured around four high-level sessions. These discussions are designed to tackle some of the most pressing modern challenges, including:
- Institutional Resilience: Strengthening the capacity of parliaments to adapt and endure.
- Technology and Ethics: Exploring the implications of digital transformation and the implementation of ethical Artificial Intelligence.
- Global Governance: Discussing necessary reforms in global governance structures.
- Sustainable Development: Collaborating on strategies for a greener and more sustainable future.
Tackling Global Threats and Institutional Reform
Serving as the Chairman of the Forum, Om Birla stressed that the world cannot afford to act in isolation. He called for collective action to combat global threats, specifically citing terrorism and climate change as priorities that require a unified front.
Furthermore, the Speaker used the platform to reiterate India's long-standing advocacy for reforms within the United Nations Security Council, arguing for a more representative and effective global security architecture.
Diplomatic Engagements and High-Profile Meetings
The event has already sparked significant bilateral activity. Before the formal sessions began, Speaker Birla held several one-on-one meetings with international leaders. Among these was a focused session with Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, where the two leaders discussed the strengthening of parliamentary ties and joint efforts to fight terrorism.
Adding to the summit's importance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with the heads of the visiting delegations. This gathering serves as a critical chapter in India's diplomatic efforts before the chairmanship of the forum transitions to China.