Iran Speaker Ghalibaf to Skip BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Delhi, Delegation to Attend

October 24, 2026

New Delhi: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will not attend the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi due to “unforeseen circumstances,” the Iranian Embassy has confirmed. A parliamentary delegation from Tehran will represent Iran at the meeting scheduled for October 26 and 27.

The Iranian Embassy announced the development in a statement, clarifying that the speaker’s absence would not affect the country’s participation in the forum. It reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to engaging with other BRICS members and continuing discussions on parliamentary cooperation.

The embassy said the Iranian delegation would take part in dialogue and consultations with representatives of member countries. These discussions are aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, particularly in parliamentary affairs.

Iran also thanked the Indian government for its hospitality and arrangements for the meeting. The embassy expressed hope that the forum would produce constructive outcomes and strengthen cooperation among participating countries.

BRICS Parliamentary Forum to Begin in New Delhi on October 26

The Parliament of India will host the two-day forum at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. The conference will be inaugurated on October 26 and conclude on October 27.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the meeting would bring together presiding officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries. Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, presiding officers of state legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries are also expected to participate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event and meet the leaders of visiting delegations, Birla said.

The programme will include bilateral meetings, multilateral discussions and interactions between parliamentary friendship groups. A meeting of delegation secretaries is scheduled for October 25 to finalise the joint statement of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.

Forum to Focus on People-Centric Development

This year’s central theme is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”. Discussions will cover four broad areas: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

The sessions will examine how parliaments can strengthen institutions, encourage human-centred innovation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, support more representative global governance and promote a sustainable and inclusive future.

A special meeting of the chairpersons of international affairs committees from BRICS member and partner countries will also focus on parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.

Alongside the formal sessions and bilateral exchanges, the programme will include cultural activities and visits to Parliament. The Vice-President of India will host a banquet for the visiting dignitaries.

Although Ghalibaf will not be present, Iran’s participation through its parliamentary delegation is expected to keep the country involved in the forum’s discussions on cooperation and parliamentary relations.