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, which began earlier in the day, brought together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and promote people-centric development.

Presiding Officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries attended the event alongside Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, Presiding Officers of State Legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.

Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the meeting and welcomed delegates from BRICS member nations. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among participating countries.

In his inaugural address, Birla highlighted the significance of hosting parliamentary delegations from BRICS member nations in India, the world’s largest democracy.

“On this occasion, the presence of parliamentary delegations from BRICS member nations in India, coming to the world’s largest democratic nation and sharing a joint commitment, will in itself be a special experience,” he said.

Birla said the presence of BRICS parliamentary representatives in India reflected their shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and democratic values.

He also noted that the BRICS Parliamentary Forum marks its 20th anniversary this year. He pointed to the organisation’s rapid expansion and its growing capacity to influence global developments and international relations.

The Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted BRICS’ global significance, noting that its member nations represent nearly half of the world’s population, cover about one-third of the global landmass and account for a substantial share of the global economy and international trade.

“These reflect our collective strength and global responsibility,” he said.

Birla acknowledged the geographical, cultural, linguistic and social differences among BRICS countries but stressed that their shared commitment to democratic values and humanity united them.

He also thanked BRICS member nations for unanimously adopting the joint statement at the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chairmanship.

Birla underscored the role of parliaments in building mutual understanding and trust among nations, easing international tensions and addressing global challenges through peaceful means.

“Parliaments can play a special role in strengthening mutual understanding and trust, reducing international tension and resolving global challenges peacefully,” he said.

The Lok Sabha Speaker further highlighted BRICS’ potential to strengthen the Global South’s voice and influence in international affairs.

“BRICS has the ability to become an empowered voice of the Global South. We have to make sure that our ambitions are not just limited to mere discussion, but should also be practical and achievable,” he said.