New Delhi, 27 October: The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded on 27 October with the adoption of a Joint Declaration. The declaration formally reaffirmed the member countries’ commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
Reflecting India’s influence during its BRICS Chairship, the declaration closely incorporated New Delhi’s core strategic priorities. Member Parliaments issued an explicit endorsement of UN Security Council reform, in line with Paragraph 13 of the New Delhi Declaration (NDD), to make global governance more representative of the Global South, according to a statement from the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
India’s position on counter-terrorism also received strong backing, through robust, uncompromised counterterrorism language. Referring to Paragraph 40 of the NDD, the declaration condemned cross-border terrorism, terror financing and the provision of safe havens, while calling for zero tolerance towards terrorism and an end to double standards.
The final text further endorsed India-led developmental and climate initiatives such as the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), 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 Chairship.
In his valedictory address, Speaker Om Birla emphasised that global challenges can only be resolved through steadfast dialogue, mutual peace and collaborative action rather than conflict.
Addressing presiding officers, delegates, and international parliamentarians from BRICS member and partner nations, the Lok Sabha Speaker reflected on two days of profound discussions. He noted that while participating nations possess diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and challenges, their shared commitment to humanity’s welfare, peace, and prosperity remains the ultimate strength of the BRICS coalition.
