New Delhi, October 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday participated in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum and interacted with foreign delegates at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House complex in New Delhi. The forum brought together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, promote democratic values and advance people-centric development.
The gathering was attended by Presiding Officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS nations, Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Presiding Officers of State Legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the meeting and welcomed the visiting delegations, emphasising the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation in addressing shared global challenges.
In his inaugural address, Birla said the presence of parliamentary delegations from BRICS member countries in India, the world's largest democracy, reflected a shared commitment to working together.
He said, "The presence of the BRICS Parliamentary Cooperation in India demonstrates our shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and our shared trust in democratic values."
BRICS Parliamentary Cooperation Gains Importance
Highlighting the growing relevance of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Birla noted that the organisation was marking its 20th anniversary this year. He observed that BRICS was expanding rapidly, along with its capacity to influence global developments and international relations.
According to the Lok Sabha Speaker, BRICS countries collectively represent nearly half of the world's population, account for approximately one-third of the global landmass and hold a significant share of the global economy and international trade.
He said these figures reflected the collective strength and global responsibility of the participating nations.
"BRICS countries may differ geographically, culturally, linguistically, and socially, but our shared responsibility toward democratic values and humanity binds us together," Birla said.
His remarks underlined the importance of maintaining cooperation among countries with diverse political systems, cultures, languages and social structures while working towards common objectives.
Focus on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Disputes
Birla stressed that parliaments could play an important role in strengthening mutual understanding and trust between nations. Parliamentary engagement, he said, could help reduce international tensions and promote peaceful approaches to global challenges.
"Parliaments can play a special role in strengthening mutual understanding and trust, reducing international tension and resolving global challenges peacefully," he said.
The forum provides a platform for lawmakers to exchange experiences, discuss common concerns and explore ways to improve cooperation between legislative institutions. Such engagement can also help strengthen democratic practices and encourage constructive dialogue on international issues.
BRICS and the Global South
The Lok Sabha Speaker also highlighted the potential of BRICS to strengthen the voice of the Global South in international affairs. He called for translating the group's shared ambitions into practical initiatives with measurable outcomes.
"BRICS has the ability to become an empowered voice of the Global South. We have to make sure that our ambitions are not just limited to mere discussion, but should also be practical and achievable," he said.
Birla also referred to the unanimous adoption of the Joint Statement at the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's chairmanship, describing it as a significant achievement and thanking the participating member countries.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum aims to strengthen legislative cooperation and deepen engagement among member and partner nations. Discussions are expected to focus on the role of parliaments in promoting inclusive development, democratic values, international understanding and coordinated responses to global challenges.
Prime Minister Modi's interaction with the foreign delegates formed part of India's engagement with parliamentary representatives as the country seeks to encourage cooperation and strengthen BRICS' role in international affairs.
