India to Host BRICS Parliamentary Forum From Monday
India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26–27, focusing on people-centric development, parliamentary cooperation and global challenges.
Parliament will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum from Monday under the theme 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development', with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to meet leaders of visiting delegations.
Ahead of the two-day forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday held talks with a Russian parliamentary delegation led by State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, focusing on bilateral cooperation, counterterrorism and reforms of global institutions.
According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, both sides emphasised stronger coordination at international forums and collective efforts to combat terrorism.
Birla thanked Russia for its consistent support for India's fight against terrorism and its bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
He noted that India and Russia would complete 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 and called for regular meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission.
The Speaker also advocated greater exchanges of parliamentary delegations, particularly involving young and women parliamentarians, besides cooperation in nuclear energy and industry.
Referring to India's BRICS presidency in 2026, Birla sought Russia's active participation in strengthening parliamentary cooperation within the grouping.
Volodin stressed the need for joint business ventures and removal of barriers to bilateral trade and investment. He also backed greater legislative exchanges and cultural cooperation.
Birla separately met parliamentary delegations from Cuba, Egypt and Belarus.
The forum, scheduled for October 26 and 27, will feature four high-level sessions on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
A special meeting of chairpersons of parliamentary international affairs committees will discuss parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
The programme will also include bilateral meetings, cultural events and a banquet hosted by Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Rajya Sabha Chairman.