Parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries have gathered in New Delhi for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, with discussions set to focus on people-centric development, artificial intelligence, sustainability and stronger legislative cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet the visiting speakers and heads of delegations during the two-day conference hosted by the Indian Parliament.

Delegations from 11 member countries and 10 partner nations have arrived in the capital for the forum, being held at the Parliament House complex. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who chairs the forum, is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address at the opening ceremony at 10 am.

The conference is taking place under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development”, with India seeking to use its BRICS presidency to advance shared priorities among developing nations and strengthen cooperation between legislative institutions.

AI, sustainability and parliamentary oversight on agenda

The two-day meeting will feature four high-level sessions built around resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Delegates are expected to deliberate on strengthening parliamentary institutions, improving legislative oversight of artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies, and advancing sustainable development goals.

A separate meeting involving chairpersons of parliamentary committees on international affairs from member and partner countries will examine parliamentary diplomacy, institutional capacity building and the exchange of legislative practices.

The programme also includes bilateral and multilateral discussions among visiting delegations, along with meetings of Parliamentary Friendship Groups established with 64 countries. These engagements are intended to expand inter-parliamentary ties and encourage cooperation on shared international concerns.

The forum is scheduled to conclude on October 27 with the adoption of a joint statement. Birla will deliver the valedictory address before formally handing over the BRICS Parliamentary Forum chairmanship to China.

India and Russia call for stronger parliamentary ties

Ahead of the forum, Birla held talks with a Russian parliamentary delegation led by Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, on October 25.

According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, both sides discussed expanding cooperation in international forums and strengthening joint efforts against terrorism.

Welcoming Volodin and his delegation, Birla highlighted the longstanding India-Russia relationship, describing it as a partnership built on mutual trust, respect and shared interests. He also acknowledged Russia’s support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism and called for a united international response to the threat.

With the two countries set to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, Birla said the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership had gained further momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He called for sustained engagement between the Lok Sabha and the State Duma through regular meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission and exchanges involving parliamentary delegations, particularly younger legislators and women parliamentarians.

Birla also highlighted India’s BRICS presidency in 2026 and called for Russia’s active involvement in strengthening cooperation among the grouping’s legislatures. He emphasised joint action on challenges such as climate change and terrorism, alongside efforts to make international institutions more responsive to changing global realities.

The Lok Sabha Speaker reiterated India’s position on reforming the United Nations Security Council and thanked Russia for its continued support for India’s bid for permanent membership.

Trade, energy and cultural exchanges discussed

The talks also covered opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy, industry and other sectors.

Birla stressed the importance of cultural engagement and people-to-people contacts, saying the goodwill shared by Indians and Russians provided a strong basis for expanding ties.

Volodin, in turn, called for greater cooperation in trade, industry and agriculture. He emphasised the need to encourage joint business ventures and address barriers affecting bilateral trade and investment.

The Russian parliamentary leader also backed regular exchanges between the two legislatures, including through multilateral platforms such as BRICS. He reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to closer cultural and humanitarian cooperation and stronger people-to-people links.

Volodin expressed confidence that continued parliamentary engagement and collaboration across sectors would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Birla holds talks with Cuba, Egypt and Belarus

Birla also met parliamentary delegations from Cuba, Egypt and Belarus later on October 25. The meetings featured discussions described by the Lok Sabha Secretariat as productive and mutually beneficial.

India’s hosting of the forum provides an opportunity to build consensus among BRICS legislatures on development priorities and international challenges, while expanding parliamentary diplomacy between member and partner nations.