NEW DELHI, October 27 (Aalimi Nation) – The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday with the unanimous adoption of a joint declaration, a day after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the two-day meeting. The BRICS Parliamentary Forum declaration covers West Asia, terrorism, sanctions, global governance and climate action.
BRICS Parliamentary Forum: what the declaration says
The forum, held under the theme "Fostering Parliaments For People-Centric Development," brought together presiding officers and parliamentary representatives from 10 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the UAE, according to the official account of the meeting.
On West Asia, the members expressed deep concern over escalating tensions and called for "maximum restraint," urging that no action be taken that could worsen the situation. They also urged the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy toward lasting peace and stability.
The declaration called for global trade, supply chains and energy flows to be kept moving smoothly in line with international law. It also condemned unilateral coercive measures, including unilateral economic and secondary sanctions, which the members said contravene international law and have far-reaching negative effects.
Terrorism, UN reform and technology
The members condemned terrorism in all its forms, regardless of motivation. The text specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Members pledged to counter the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens, and to reject double standards.
Reports on the final text also said the members reaffirmed the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes, and endorsed reform of the UN Security Council to make global governance more representative of the Global South. They backed the expansion of digital public infrastructure and ethical governance of artificial intelligence, and expressed support for India's BRICS chairship.
On climate, the members called for stronger implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions, better mitigation and adaptation, and just transition pathways.
Birla's address and the handover
In his valedictory address, Mr Birla said, "India believes in peace, not war and it believes in cooperation more than competition." He described parliaments as "vital centres of dialogue, consensus, accountability, and public trust."
He said artificial intelligence and digital tools can improve the working of legislatures if they align with human values, ethics, transparency and accountability. He also urged that BRICS benefit the wider international community and give the Global South proper representation in global decision-making.
Mr Birla handed over the forum's chairship for 2027 to China, and congratulated that country on assuming the role, expressing confidence in its leadership.
Reaction and what comes next
Members congratulated India's Parliament on hosting the forum and thanked it and the Indian people for their hospitality, the official account said. Individual speeches by other delegations were not detailed in the official summary.
The declaration is not binding on governments, and it reflects the positions of the parliamentary delegations that took part.
The next forum will be hosted under China's chairship in 2027, when the delegations will again meet to review progress on the commitments made in New Delhi on topics ranging from parliamentary cooperation to the use of technology in legislative work.
