Polity · GS2.4, GS2.9 · 2026-10-25 · 3 min read · 2026-10-25-pm
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Inaugurated in Parliament House Complex
India hosted the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on 26-27 October 2026, focusing on strengthening parliaments for people-centric development. The event highlighted India's role in parliamentary diplomacy and multilateral cooperation among BRICS nations, relevant for understanding India's global parliamentary engagements.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in India emphasized parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation among BRICS countries to address global challenges.
Why is this in the news?
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was inaugurated in the Parliament House Complex on 26 October 2026, with participation from BRICS member countries and key parliamentary leaders.
What is the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum?
- Forum overview. The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held on 26-27 October 2026 in India's Parliament House Complex, focusing on 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.'
- Event structure. The forum included four high-level sessions on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability, along with parallel meetings, bilateral exchanges, and a cultural programme.
- Special meetings. A special meeting of Chairpersons of the International Affairs Committees of BRICS parliaments was held to discuss parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building, and best practices exchange.
Why does the BRICS Parliamentary Forum matter for India?
- India's BRICS Presidency. India held the BRICS Presidency in 2026, guiding the forum with a people-centric approach to strengthen cooperation among BRICS parliaments.
- Parliamentary diplomacy. The forum emphasized sustained institutional engagement and regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations, especially among young and women parliamentarians.
- Global challenges. Discussions focused on collective efforts to address terrorism, climate change, and making international institutions more responsive to global changes.
- UN Security Council reforms. India reiterated the need for reforms of the United Nations Security Council and appreciated Russia's support for India's permanent membership.
How does the forum reflect India-Russia parliamentary cooperation?
- Bilateral meeting. Ahead of the forum, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin to discuss strengthening cooperation at global fora and combating terrorism.
- Strategic partnership. The meeting highlighted the 80 years of India-Russia diplomatic relations and the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership strengthened under current leadership.
- Trade and cultural ties. Both sides stressed promoting joint business ventures, removing trade obstacles, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
- Parliamentary exchanges. Regular meetings of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission and exchanges of young and women parliamentarians were emphasized.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 26-27 October 2026 | Dates of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in India | |
| 80 years | Duration of diplomatic relations between India and Russia as of 2027 | |
| 1.4 billion | Population of India referenced during the forum's welcome |
Back to basics: Parliamentary Diplomacy
Parliamentary diplomacy refers to the interactions and cooperation between the legislative bodies of different countries to promote mutual understanding, peace, and collaboration. It complements traditional diplomacy by involving parliamentarians in dialogue, capacity building, and exchange of best practices. This form of diplomacy helps address global challenges through multilateral forums and strengthens bilateral relations.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum: 1. It was held in the Parliament House Complex, India, on 26-27 October 2026. 2. The forum focused on strengthening parliaments for people-centric development and included sessions on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (c). A trap could be confusing the forum's date or location; both statements are correct as per the evidence.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening multilateral cooperation, with reference to the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
Examine: Explain how parliamentary diplomacy facilitates cooperation among countries using the BRICS Parliamentary Forum as an example.
Intro: Parliamentary diplomacy involves legislative bodies engaging in dialogue and cooperation to address global issues.
- The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum exemplifies parliamentary diplomacy by bringing together BRICS nations to discuss people-centric development.
- It facilitates consensus-based dialogue through thematic sessions on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
- The forum promotes exchanges among young and women parliamentarians, enhancing inclusivity and capacity building.
- Bilateral meetings, such as between India and Russia, strengthen strategic partnerships and address global challenges like terrorism.
Conclusion: Thus, parliamentary diplomacy through forums like BRICS enhances multilateral cooperation and global governance.
Quick revision
- When and where was the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held?
- It was held on 26-27 October 2026 in the Parliament House Complex, India.
- What was the main theme of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum?
- The theme was 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.'
- What key global issues were discussed at the forum?
- The forum discussed combating terrorism, climate change, and reforms of international institutions.
Sources
- [1] Press Information Bureau: 12TH BRICS PARLIAMENTARY FORUM TO BE INAUGURATED TOMORROW IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMPLEX · 2026-10-25 · official