The Impressive TimesNew Delhi- The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will begin at the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi on October 26, bringing together parliamentary delegations from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss people-centric development, international cooperation and emerging global challenges.
Ahead of the two-day forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with a Russian parliamentary delegation led by Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation at international forums, joint efforts to combat terrorism and expanding parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.
Welcoming Volodin and the delegation on behalf of the Indian Parliament and the people of India, Birla highlighted the longstanding India-Russia friendship, which he said was rooted in mutual trust, respect and shared aspirations. He appreciated Russia’s continued support for India in its fight against terrorism and called for a united international response to the threat.
Birla noted that India and Russia would mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. He also highlighted the further strengthening of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Emphasising the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Lok Sabha Speaker called for sustained 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 exchanges of parliamentary delegations, particularly young and women parliamentarians.
Referring to India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026, Birla emphasised that a people-centric approach would guide the country’s priorities. He called for Russia’s active participation in strengthening cooperation among BRICS parliaments and addressing shared challenges, including climate change and terrorism.
He also reiterated the need to reform the United Nations Security Council to make international institutions more representative and responsive to changing global realities. Birla expressed appreciation for Russia’s continued support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC.
The discussions also covered opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy, industry, trade and agriculture. Birla underlined the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Volodin highlighted the growing potential for cooperation in trade, industry and agriculture, stressing the importance of joint business ventures and removing barriers to bilateral trade and investment. He also called for regular exchanges between the two parliaments, including through multilateral platforms such as BRICS.
The Russian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation and expanding people-to-people exchanges, expressing confidence that closer parliamentary engagement would further deepen bilateral relations.
Later in the day, Birla also met parliamentary delegations from Cuba, Egypt and Belarus, holding discussions on issues of mutual interest and parliamentary cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the forum on Monday and interact with leaders of the visiting delegations.
The overarching theme of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”. The deliberations will take place through four high-level sessions focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
A special meeting of the chairpersons of international affairs committees from the parliaments of BRICS member and partner countries will also be held. The meeting will focus on parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
Alongside the plenary sessions, the programme will feature parallel meetings, bilateral engagements and cultural activities. The Vice-President of India will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitaries.
The two-day forum will conclude on October 27, 2026.
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