New Delhi, India, October 27 (ANI) — The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday, concluded Tuesday with the adoption of a joint declaration.
According to a press release, the declaration formally reiterates member nations’ commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality, mutual respect, noninterference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
Reflecting India’s growing diplomatic presence under its ongoing chairmanship, the joint declaration aligned with New Delhi’s core strategic priorities. Reaffirming the consensus of the New Delhi Declaration (NDD), member parliaments explicitly endorsed reform of the U.N. Security Council, referencing Paragraph 13 of the NDD, to make global governance more representative of the Global South.
India’s position on national security was reflected in strong counterterrorism language. Building on Paragraph 40 of the NDD, the declaration condemned cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing and safe havens, while calling for zero tolerance and an end to double standards.
According to the release, the final text also incorporated India-led development and climate agendas, including the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) repositories, ethical governance of artificial intelligence, adherence to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), and unanimous support for India’s BRICS chairmanship.
Delivering the valedictory address, Birla emphasized that global challenges can be resolved only through sustained dialogue, mutual peace and collaborative action rather than conflict.
Addressing presiding officers, distinguished delegates and international parliamentarians from BRICS member and partner nations, Birla reflected on two days of discussions. He noted that although participating nations have diverse backgrounds, circumstances and challenges, their shared commitment to humanity’s welfare, peace and prosperity remains the BRICS coalition’s greatest strength.
Highlighting the current global climate of instability, economic uncertainty and regional conflicts, Birla reiterated India’s core philosophy: lasting solutions are forged through dialogue, not war; peace, not conflict; and collaboration rather than competition.
He called for a global framework based on absolute respect for national sovereignty, the peaceful resolution of international disputes and equitable development opportunities for all.
“Global peace truly means security, respect, justice, and the assurance of a better future for everyone—especially the younger generation,” he said, noting that future generations will judge current leaders by the safety and prosperity of the world they leave behind.
Underscoring the evolving responsibilities of democratic institutions, Birla emphasized that parliaments are not merely lawmaking bodies but vital centers of dialogue, consensus, accountability and public trust.
According to the release, he urged legislatures worldwide to adapt to changing times by becoming more effective, transparent and citizen-centered. Addressing the integration of modern tools, Birla noted that artificial intelligence and digital technology could significantly improve parliamentary workflows and deepen citizen participation, provided their development remains aligned with human values, ethics, transparency and accountability.
Birla stressed that BRICS’ success must extend beyond the progress of its individual member states to benefit the wider international community, ensuring that the aspirations of the Global South are properly represented in global decision-making.
As the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded, Birla congratulated China and extended his best wishes as it prepares to assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027. He expressed confidence that cooperation would continue to flourish under China’s leadership.
The forum concluded with a call for parliaments worldwide to serve as powerful voices for peace, cooperation and shared prosperity. (ANI)
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