12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum begins at Samvidhan Sadan today
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New Delhi: The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will be inaugurated at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House complex here on Monday, bringing together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries.
The two-day Forum, being held on October 26 and 27, will focus on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and promoting people-centric development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inaugural session and meet leaders of the visiting delegations.
Ahead of the event, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with a Russian parliamentary delegation led by Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
The two sides underscored the need to enhance cooperation at global forums and make collective efforts to combat terrorism.
Welcoming Volodin and his delegation on behalf of the Parliament of India and 1.4 billion Indians, Birla highlighted the special and time-tested friendship between India and Russia, rooted in mutual trust, respect and shared aspirations, according to an official statement.
Birla also appreciated Russia’s consistent support for India in its fight against terrorism and stressed that the international community must show unity and resolve in tackling the menace and work together for global peace.
Noting that India and Russia would complete 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, the Speaker said the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership had been further strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier, addressing a press conference at Parliament House on Thursday, Birla described the Forum as a new chapter in India’s parliamentary diplomacy.
He said the event would bring together Presiding Officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries, Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Presiding Officers of State Legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
The Forum will deliberate on the theme “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”, focusing on the role of parliamentary institutions in advancing development that responds to people’s needs and aspirations.
(Inputs from IANS)