12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Begins in New Delhi on October 26: Key Agenda and Highlights

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum begins in New Delhi on October 26, bringing global parliamentary leaders together to discuss people-centric development, international cooperation, sustainability and emerging global challenges.

12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Begins in New Delhi: Key Agenda, Participants and Highlights

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is set to commence at the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi on October 26, 2026. Hosted by the Parliament of India over two days, the event will bring together parliamentary representatives from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss people-oriented development, international cooperation and pressing global issues.

The forum will be held under the theme “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development,” with discussions centred on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the opening day and interact with visiting parliamentary delegations.

BRICS Parliamentary Forum to Focus on People-Centric Development

The two-day forum, scheduled for October 26 and 27, aims to strengthen cooperation among BRICS legislatures and encourage dialogue on shared international priorities.

The discussions will explore how parliaments can contribute to inclusive development, address emerging challenges and improve international collaboration. Representatives will exchange perspectives on strengthening democratic institutions and making parliamentary engagement more effective in responding to people's needs.

Four major themes will guide the deliberations: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

PM Narendra Modi to Interact with Visiting Delegations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the forum on Monday, October 26, and engage with parliamentary leaders from participating countries.

His participation highlights India's efforts to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and promote cooperation among BRICS nations. The gathering also provides an opportunity for participating countries to discuss common priorities and explore practical approaches to international collaboration.

India's BRICS Presidency in 2026 places particular emphasis on people-centric development and stronger institutional partnerships.

India and Russia Discuss Parliamentary Cooperation

Ahead of the forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met a Russian parliamentary delegation led by Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, on Sunday.

The discussions focused on expanding parliamentary engagement, strengthening cooperation at international platforms and intensifying joint efforts against terrorism.

Birla highlighted the longstanding friendship between India and Russia, describing mutual trust, respect and shared aspirations as important foundations of their relationship. He also appreciated Russia's continued support for India's efforts to combat terrorism.

Both sides stressed that the international community must work together decisively to counter terrorism and promote peace and stability.

India-Russia Strategic Partnership and Diplomatic Relations

During the meeting, Birla noted that India and Russia will celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

He said the countries' Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership has continued to develop under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Lok Sabha Speaker called for regular institutional engagement between India's Lok Sabha and Russia's State Duma. He highlighted the importance of meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission and exchanges involving young and women parliamentarians.

Such initiatives can help strengthen mutual understanding and encourage greater participation in parliamentary diplomacy.

India Calls for Global Institutional Reforms

Birla emphasised the importance of collective action on international challenges, including climate change and terrorism. He also called for reforms to international institutions to ensure they better reflect changing global realities.

The Speaker reiterated India's longstanding demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council and expressed appreciation for Russia's continued support for India's permanent membership.

He also encouraged Russia to participate actively in strengthening cooperation among BRICS legislatures during India's 2026 presidency.

Trade, Energy and Cultural Cooperation on the Agenda

The India-Russia discussions also covered opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including nuclear energy, industry, trade and agriculture.

Volodin called for greater promotion of joint business ventures and the removal of barriers affecting bilateral trade and investment.

Both delegations underlined the importance of regular parliamentary exchanges through bilateral and multilateral platforms, including BRICS.

They also highlighted cultural, humanitarian and people-to-people exchanges as important elements in strengthening relations between the two countries.

Meetings with Cuba, Egypt and Belarus

Before the main forum, Om Birla also held discussions with parliamentary delegations from Cuba, Egypt and Belarus.

The meetings focused on improving bilateral relations and expanding parliamentary cooperation. These engagements reflect the broader objective of using legislative exchanges to build partnerships, encourage dialogue and strengthen international understanding.

The visiting delegations are expected to participate in the forum's discussions on shared development priorities and international cooperation.

Four High-Level Sessions and Parliamentary Diplomacy

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will feature four high-level sessions covering resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

A special meeting of chairpersons of International Affairs Committees from the parliaments of BRICS member and partner countries will also take place.

The meeting will focus on parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and sharing best practices. These discussions are intended to strengthen institutional capabilities and improve coordination between legislative bodies.

The programme will include plenary sessions, parallel meetings, bilateral engagements and cultural activities. The Vice-President of India will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitaries.

Conclusion

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum provides India with an important platform to advance parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen international partnerships during its 2026 BRICS Presidency. With discussions covering inclusive development, institutional reforms, trade, sustainability and counterterrorism, the gathering aims to encourage cooperation on shared global priorities. The forum will conclude on October 27, 2026.