New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on Monday and interacted with foreign delegates at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House complex in New Delhi.
The forum brings together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between legislatures and promote people-centric development. Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, presiding officers of state legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries are also attending the event.
Om Birla Highlights Dialogue and Cooperation
Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the meeting and welcomed parliamentary delegations from BRICS countries. He stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among participating nations.
Birla said the presence of parliamentary delegations from BRICS member countries in India, the world’s largest democracy, was a special occasion that reflected their shared commitment.
He also said the forum demonstrated a common belief in democratic values and the need to build stronger ties through parliamentary engagement.
BRICS Marks 20 Years of Parliamentary Cooperation
Birla noted that the BRICS Parliamentary Forum is marking its 20th anniversary this year. He said the grouping is expanding and gaining greater capacity to influence global developments and international relations.
Highlighting the importance of BRICS, the Lok Sabha Speaker said its member countries represent nearly half of the world’s population, cover about one-third of the global landmass and account for a significant share of the global economy and international trade.
He said that despite differences in geography, culture, language and society, BRICS countries share a responsibility towards democratic values and humanity.
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. He thanked the member countries for supporting the statement.
Speaker Calls for a Stronger Voice for the Global South
Birla said parliaments could play an important role in building trust between nations, reducing international tensions and addressing global challenges through peaceful means.
He also highlighted the potential of BRICS to strengthen the voice of the Global South in international affairs.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said the grouping’s ambitions should go beyond discussions and lead to practical and achievable outcomes.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum aims to provide a platform for parliamentary leaders to exchange views and strengthen cooperation on issues of common interest.