Modi to Open BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26 as India Pushes Global South Agenda

India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum from October 25 to 27, bringing parliamentary leaders and delegates from member and partner countries together to discuss people-centred development, international cooperation and the role of legislatures in addressing global challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the forum on October 26 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, the former Parliament building, according to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

The meeting follows the high-profile BRICS Summit held in New Delhi in September and will provide a parliamentary dimension to the bloc’s wider diplomatic agenda. The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint statement outlining areas of agreement and priorities for future cooperation.

The forum’s central theme is “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.” Discussions are expected to examine how legislatures can strengthen inclusive development, improve cooperation among countries and respond to citizens’ needs. The programme also includes engagements involving women parliamentarians and chairpersons of parliamentary committees on international affairs.

The discussions come amid renewed calls by BRICS countries for a more representative global order, including greater participation for developing nations in international decision-making. Reform of global institutions, economic cooperation, sustainable development and technological change are among the broader priorities shaping the bloc’s work.

Artificial intelligence, digital inclusion and climate sustainability have featured in previous BRICS parliamentary discussions. However, the final programme will determine which of these issues receive dedicated attention at this year’s forum.

The parliamentary forum serves as a counterpart to BRICS leaders’ summits, offering legislators an opportunity to exchange views and explore how international commitments can be reflected in national laws and policies. Its significance will depend on whether the discussions produce practical initiatives alongside broad declarations of intent.

The previous, 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held in Brasília, Brazil, in June 2025, with discussions covering international cooperation, global governance, inclusive artificial intelligence, health and climate sustainability.

India’s hosting of the 12th edition is expected to reinforce its role in shaping the BRICS agenda during its 2026 chairship. The concluding joint statement will be closely watched for concrete proposals on parliamentary cooperation and the group’s wider development priorities.