12TH BRICS PARLIAMENTARY FORUM CONCLUDES IN NEW DELHI, WITH ADOPTION OF A JOINT DECLARATION

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in New Delhi under the theme 'Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development,' culminating in the adoption of a consensus Joint Declaration. Inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, the forum brought together presiding officers and parliamentary representatives from BRICS member and partner nations. The adopted Joint Declaration reiterates commitment to the United Nations Charter, sovereign equality, mutual respect, and peaceful dispute resolution. It endorses United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform for greater Global South representation, condemns cross-border terrorism and terror financing with a call for zero tolerance, and supports climate action adhering to Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC). Additionally, the forum emphasized leveraging emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) repositories for parliamentary efficiency, and concluded with the handing over of the BRICS chairship to China for 2027.