Volodin Holds High-Stakes Bilateral Talks at BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Russian Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin holds key bilateral talks with counterparts from Uganda, Cuba, and Thailand during the BRICS forum in New Delhi.
In a series of strategic diplomatic engagements, the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Volodin, conducted bilateral discussions with parliamentary leaders from Uganda, Cuba, and Thailand. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS parliamentary forum New Delhi, reinforcing ties between Russia and both member and partner nations of the bloc.
Key Diplomatic Encounters
According to a statement shared by the Russian Embassy on X, Volodin utilized the gathering in the Indian capital to strengthen international cooperation. The Russian Chairman met with several high-ranking foreign counterparts, including:
- Marksons Jacob Oboth, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda.
- Ana María Mari Machado, the Vice President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba.
- Mongkol Surasajja, the President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Thailand.
These discussions occurred within the Parliament House complex, where the two-day forum was hosted by the Parliament of India.
India Hosts Global Lawmakers
The forum saw a massive turnout, with delegations from 11 BRICS member countries and 10 partner nations arriving in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, extending a warm welcome to the foreign delegations, including Chairman Volodin and representatives from Brazil, Cuba, and Uganda.
The event was further graced by the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the latter of whom chaired the forum and delivered the inaugural address.
The Weight of BRICS on the Global Stage
During the proceedings, the immense global footprint of the BRICS grouping was highlighted. Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal pointed out that the bloc represents nearly half of the global population and holds significant economic power, accounting for roughly 40 per cent of the world's GDP and 24 per cent of global trade.
Adding a political dimension to the gathering, MP Rajeev Rai expressed optimism that the forum would serve as a critical platform for discussing foreign policy, international development, and peace. He specifically noted the importance of the forum in maintaining a global balance against the "overbearing influence" of the United States.
Strengthening Partnerships
As India currently holds the BRICS presidency, the parliamentary forum serves as a vital mechanism for lawmakers to exchange views on shared challenges and deepen cooperation. While Russia and Brazil remain full members of the bloc, the inclusion of Uganda and Cuba as partner countries in 2025 marks a significant expansion of the group's reach and influence.