PM Modi Welcomes World Leaders at 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, welcoming delegations from Russia, Brazil, Cuba, and Uganda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi on Monday to inaugurate the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, marking a significant gathering of legislative leaders from across the globe. On the sidelines of the event, the Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to foreign delegations arriving from BRICS partner and member nations to participate in the high-level discussions.
High-Profile Arrivals at Parliament House
The Parliament complex in the national capital became a hub of international diplomacy as dignitaries arrived for the two-day event. Among the most prominent guests was Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, who was personally welcomed by PM Modi.
Foreign delegations from several nations arrived at the complex, where they were greeted by officials and Members of Parliament. The arriving groups included representatives from:
- Russia and Brazil: Full member countries of the BRICS forum.
- Uganda and Cuba: Nations that were designated as partner countries in 2025.
Adding to the diplomatic weight of the event, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also arrived at the Parliament to attend the proceedings. MPs Rajeev Rai and Naresh Bansal were among those who welcomed the visiting dignitaries.
A Powerhouse for the Global South
The scale of the BRICS forum underscores its growing influence on the world stage. RS MP Naresh Bansal highlighted the sheer magnitude of the group, noting that it represents nearly half of the global population. Furthermore, the bloc accounts for approximately 40% of the world's GDP and contributes about 24% to global trade.
With India currently holding the presidency, MP Bansal emphasized that under Prime Minister Modi's guidance, the forum has become a critical platform for tackling global challenges, with a specific focus on the struggles faced by developing nations.
Challenging Global Hegemony
The forum is not just about economic cooperation but also about shifting geopolitical dynamics. MP Rajeev Rai expressed hope that the gathering would foster a collective voice capable of balancing the "overbearing influence" of the United States.
"It is our hope that a voice will emerge from here—one that might help keep the overbearing influence of the United States in check. On matters of foreign policy—specifically regarding peace and development—the country has always stood united; there is no room here for petty politics or barbs," Rai stated.
Event Scale and Inauguration
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, hosted by the Parliament of India, has seen the arrival of parliamentary delegations from 11 member countries and 10 partner nations. The event officially commenced at 10:00 AM on Monday with an inaugural address delivered by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairman of the Forum, Om Birla.