New Delhi, Oct 26: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said parliaments can play a crucial role in building mutual trust, easing tensions between countries and addressing global challenges through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation.
Inaugurating the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, the former Parliament building, Birla said regional conflicts, wars, economic instability, trade tensions, terrorism and climate change transcend national boundaries, making international cooperation increasingly important.
“Parliaments can play a special role” in strengthening mutual understanding and trust, reducing international tensions and resolving global challenges peacefully, he said while addressing parliamentary delegates in Hindi.
New Delhi is hosting the two-day forum, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum. Birla welcomed delegates from BRICS member countries and highlighted the importance of parliamentary engagement in strengthening international partnerships.
Noting that BRICS countries together account for nearly half of the world's population and around one-third of its landmass, Birla said the grouping holds a significant share of the global economy and trade. Despite differences in geography, culture, language and social structures, he said, member countries share a commitment to humanity and democratic values.
The Lok Sabha Speaker also praised the unanimous joint statement adopted at the BRICS Heads of State meeting held in India under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He emphasised that the commitments made at the summit must translate into concrete outcomes, with parliaments contributing through legislation, budgetary decisions, deliberations and oversight.
Separately, the Prime Minister's Office highlighted a piece written by Birla on social media, outlining the role of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in promoting dialogue and cooperation among member and partner countries.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, while welcoming the delegates to the historic Central Hall, described BRICS as an important multilateral platform for advancing global and regional cooperation, given the grouping's substantial share of the world's population.
He said that under Modi's leadership during India's BRICS presidency, the grouping had adopted a “people-centric and humanity-first” vision, guided by the theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability”.
Harivansh also highlighted Modi's role in championing the expansion of BRICS to strengthen the voice of the Global South. He said the New Delhi Declaration advocates reforms in global governance and supports a multipolar world order.
Calling for greater collaboration among member countries, Harivansh urged them to combine their strengths to promote inclusiveness, deepen partnerships and advance global progress.
India assumed the chairmanship of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum at its 11th edition in Brasilia in June 2025, where Birla was appointed chairperson of the 12th forum.
