The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum began in New Delhi today. In his inaugural address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called upon the Parliaments of BRICS member and partner countries to strengthen their collective resolve towards people-centric development, global peace, sustainability and international cooperation.
Emphasising the transformative potential of parliamentary engagement, he underscored the need to harness the collective wisdom of nations to address shared challenges, deepen mutual understanding and bring meaningful, positive change to the lives of citizens.
Observing that the world is passing through a period of profound uncertainty, Mr Birla highlighted the mounting challenges posed by regional conflicts, wars, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism and climate change. He noted that their consequences transcended national boundaries and called for a spirit of collective responsibility. He said, in such a challenging global landscape, dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation assumed even greater significance. Mr Birla observed that Parliaments, as vibrant expressions of the people’s will, could serve as bridges of understanding, strengthen mutual confidence, ease international tensions and help advance peaceful and constructive responses to global challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with MPs from BRICS nations during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. They exchanged perspectives on a wide range of issues.
Mr Birla also addressed the First Plenary Session of the Forum which focused on the Critical Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Institutional Resilience for a Better Future. The session brought together representatives of BRICS Member and Partner Countries for a meaningful exchange of ideas on strengthening institutional resilience, enhancing parliamentary cooperation and reinforcing democratic governance.
Addressing the Second Plenary Session focusing on Harnessing Parliaments for Promoting Human-centric Innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, Mr Birla said, from Artificial Intelligence to Digital Transformation, the challenge is not merely to embrace emerging technologies, but to ensure that they serve humanity, promote inclusive growth, expand equal opportunities and empower citizens. He said, Parliaments have a crucial role in shaping a future where technological progress goes hand in hand with responsible innovation, digital inclusion and public welfare.
On the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026, Mr Birla held bilateral meetings with Speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE Saqr Ghobash, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress of China Zheng Jianbang, Member of Presidium of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Iran Ahmed Naderi.
