Om Birla Calls for Stronger BRICS Parliamentary Cooperation, Urges People-Centric Development

New Delhi : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the inaugural ceremony of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at the Parliament of India, welcoming parliamentary representatives from all member and partner nations.

Birla noted that BRICS completing 20 years reflects its growing global significance, with member nations representing nearly half of the world’s population. He highlighted the unanimous adoption of a joint statement at the BRICS Summit under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chairmanship, stressing the need to translate shared commitments into concrete outcomes.

Emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and parliamentary cooperation, Birla said nations must work together to address global conflicts, economic instability, terrorism and climate change. Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy,” he said Indian democracy is rooted in dialogue, ideological diversity and mutual respect.

The Speaker urged BRICS nations to strengthen the voice of the Global South and turn shared aspirations into practical policies and cooperation. The forum, themed “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development,” focuses on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Birla also stressed the need to make parliaments more effective and people-centric through transparency, accountability, innovation and public participation. He highlighted the importance of empowering young people and balancing economic development with environmental sustainability.

He expressed confidence that stronger parliamentary cooperation among BRICS nations would contribute to global peace, prosperity and sustainable development.