Om Birla Opens BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Calls for Dialogue and Cooperation

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomed parliamentary representatives from BRICS member and partner countries at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Speaking at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Birla said it was a privilege to host the delegations in India, the world’s largest democracy. He said their presence reflected a shared commitment to parliamentary cooperation based on dialogue, mutual respect and democratic values.

Why Does This Forum Matter?

The BRICS Parliamentary Forum brings together lawmakers and parliamentary leaders to discuss common challenges and ways to work together. Unlike meetings focused only on governments, it creates an opportunity for legislators to exchange ideas on policymaking, parliamentary practices and international relations.

Birla said parliaments could play an important role in building trust between countries, reducing international tensions and finding peaceful ways to address global problems. He noted that conflicts, terrorism, economic uncertainty and climate change affect countries beyond their borders.

What Will Delegates Discuss?

The two-day forum is being held on October 26 and 27 under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship. Its central theme is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”

The discussions focus on four broad areas:

-Resilience: Strengthening institutions so they can respond to challenges.

-Innovation: Using technology and artificial intelligence responsibly.

-Cooperation: Improving dialogue between countries and strengthening global institutions.

-Sustainability: Supporting development that benefits people over the long term.

The forum also includes discussions on parliamentary diplomacy, training and sharing best practices among participating countries.

India’s Role in BRICS

India is hosting the forum as part of its 2026 BRICS chairship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event and interacted with visiting parliamentary delegates.

Birla has said that BRICS can strengthen the voice of the Global South in international discussions. The forum offers participating parliaments an opportunity to turn shared ideas into practical cooperation and policies that respond to people’s needs.

The meeting is scheduled to conclude on October 27. Its broader aim is to strengthen parliamentary ties and encourage countries to address shared challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation.