Indian and Russian Leaders Discuss Strengthening Parliamentary Ties Ahead of BRICS Forum

New Delhi, October 25 (Daily Kiran) : In New Delhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Vyacheslav Volodin, the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, on Sunday. The two leaders discussed ways to expand parliamentary cooperation between India and Russia. They emphasized the importance of regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations and fostering dialogue among young and women parliamentarians.

During their meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the “India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” This discussion took place ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum scheduled for 2026. Present at the meeting were BJP MP Sambit Patra, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, and other officials.

Birla shared insights on social media, stating, “Ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, I had a cordial and meaningful meeting with Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The deep bonds of friendship, mutual trust, and understanding between India and Russia are the foundation of our long-term partnership. As both nations celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations, we reiterated our commitment to further deepen the ‘India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ based on mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations.”

The Lok Sabha Speaker also highlighted India’s initiatives to make parliamentary proceedings more accessible, inclusive, and citizen-centered, including the “Parliamentary Interpreter” initiative. He expressed confidence that robust parliamentary engagement would invigorate the partnership between India and Russia.

Birla stated, “We discussed enhancing parliamentary cooperation through continuous institutional engagement between the Lok Sabha and the State Duma, regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations, and improved dialogue among young and women parliamentarians. I also shared information about India’s initiatives to use technology for making parliamentary proceedings more accessible and inclusive.”

Additionally, the leaders exchanged views on strengthening cooperation among BRICS parliaments, combating terrorism through concrete international efforts, and advancing reforms in the United Nations Security Council. Birla expressed gratitude for Russia’s continued support of India’s bid for permanent membership in the Security Council. He believes that strong parliamentary ties will further solidify the longstanding and reliable partnership between the two countries.

Earlier, Volodin paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He is in India for an official visit to participate in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which will be held on October 26-27 at the Central Hall of the Constitution House in India’s Parliament. This forum, hosted under India’s presidency, will bring together parliamentary leaders from BRICS and allied nations to discuss people-centered development and strengthen parliamentary cooperation.

Birla announced that the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will take place in New Delhi on October 26 and 27. In a press conference at Parliament House, he remarked that this forum marks a new chapter in India’s parliamentary diplomacy. It will include presiding officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and allied countries, along with central ministers and other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event and meet with delegations from various countries. During the forum, there will be bilateral and multilateral discussions with leaders of delegations and parliamentary friendship groups. A meeting of delegation secretaries is scheduled for October 25 to finalize the joint statement for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.