Full Breakdown
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Opens in New Delhi, Emphasizing Parliamentary Role in Global Crises
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Opening of the Forum
The two-day 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum convened in New Delhi’s Samvidhan Sadan, with delegations from 20 countries—including all 11 BRICS members—gathering for the opening session. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the inaugural address, framing the meeting as a platform for parliaments to cooperate on issues that cross borders.
Themes Highlighted by the Speaker
Birla identified terrorism, regional conflicts, wars, economic instability, trade tensions and climate change as challenges that “transcend national borders.” He argued that parliamentary institutions can build trust, ease international tensions and promote peaceful responses through dialogue, diplomacy and collective responsibility. The speaker stressed that the effectiveness of parliaments should be judged by tangible outcomes rather than merely by discussion.
Calls for Concrete Parliamentary Action
In his remarks, Birla urged participating nations to move beyond statements of intent and translate shared commitments into policies that serve the public interest.
Implications for International Cooperation
The forum’s emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy suggests a shift toward legislative bodies playing a more active role in global governance. By positioning parliaments as bridges of understanding, the gathering aims to complement traditional diplomatic channels and foster coordinated responses to the listed crises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with heads of the parliamentary delegations and participated in a group photograph, underscoring India’s leadership in promoting multilateral parliamentary engagement.