India Hosts 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum: Key Issues on the Two-Day Agenda

12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Begins in India: Key Issues on the Two-Day Agenda

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is scheduled to commence at the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi on Monday, October 26, bringing together parliamentary leaders from member and partner countries for two days of discussions on global challenges and people-centric development.

Hosted by India on October 26 and 27, the forum will be held under the theme “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the inaugural programme and interact with the heads of visiting parliamentary delegations.

Ahead of the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held bilateral discussions with senior parliamentary representatives, including Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of Russia’s State Duma, to strengthen cooperation between legislatures.

Om Birla Holds Talks With Russian Duma Chairman
During his meeting with Volodin, Birla discussed ways to expand parliamentary cooperation between India and Russia through regular exchanges among lawmakers and closer coordination at multilateral forums, including BRICS.

Highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two countries, Birla emphasised the role of parliamentary engagement in further strengthening bilateral ties. India and Russia are also set to commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The discussions covered cooperation at international platforms and joint efforts to counter terrorism. Birla appreciated Russia’s continued support for India’s fight against terrorism and called for a coordinated international response to the threat.

India Reiterates Demand for UN Security Council Reforms
Birla renewed India’s call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council and thanked Moscow for supporting New Delhi’s bid for permanent membership of the global body.

The two sides also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in nuclear energy, industry, trade and agriculture. Volodin highlighted the need to promote joint business ventures and address obstacles affecting bilateral trade and investment.

Both delegations underscored the importance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges in deepening relations between the two countries.

Birla also called for stronger institutional engagement between the Lok Sabha and the Russian State Duma. He stressed the need for regular meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission and greater participation by young and women parliamentarians.

The use of technology to improve parliamentary functioning was another area of discussion. Birla highlighted initiatives such as Sansad Bhashini, aimed at making parliamentary proceedings more accessible and citizen-friendly.

Four Key Themes to Shape BRICS Parliamentary Discussions
With India holding the BRICS chairmanship in 2026, Birla said a people-centric approach would remain central to the country’s parliamentary engagement. He called for closer cooperation among BRICS legislatures to address shared challenges, including terrorism, climate change and sustainable development.

The two-day forum will feature four high-level sessions focusing on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.

The discussions are expected to cover strengthening parliamentary institutions, the responsible and human-centred application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, reforms in global governance and strategies for sustainable development.

A special meeting of chairpersons of international affairs committees from BRICS member and partner countries will also take place. The session will focus on parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and the exchange of best practices among participating legislatures.

Birla Meets Delegations From Cuba, Egypt and Belarus
Before the formal opening, Birla also met parliamentary delegations from Cuba, Egypt and Belarus on Sunday as part of India’s efforts to strengthen engagement with participating countries.

The programme includes plenary sessions, bilateral discussions, parliamentary exchanges and a cultural event. The Vice-President of India is scheduled to host a banquet for the visiting delegates.

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will conclude on Tuesday, October 27, following two days of deliberations on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and advancing people-focused development.