The Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh today delivered the welcome address at the Inaugural Session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in the historic Central Hall, Parliament of India, New Delhi.
Welcoming Hon'ble Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairperson of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Shri Om Birla, Hon'ble Presiding Officers, Heads of Delegations from BRICS Member and Partner Countries, Excellencies, and Distinguished Delegates, Shri Harivansh stated that it is an honour to have all dignitaries and delegates present in the Central Hall. He highlighted that this historic hall has remained a silent yet living witness to India’s evolution as one of the world’s largest, most vibrant, and successful democracies. He described India as a timeless repository of knowledge, wisdom, and civilisational heritage, with its rich diversity of cultures, languages, landscapes, customs, and traditions, expressing confidence that delegates will carry back warm and lasting impressions of the country.
Highlighting the global role of the group, the Deputy Chairman noted that BRICS, representing around 49.5% of the global population, has become an effective multilateral platform for consultation and cooperation on issues having global as well as regional significance.
Shri Harivansh recalled that during the 2026 BRICS Presidency, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, introduced a transformative vision of a “People-Centric” and "Humanity First" approach. Guided by this vision, the BRICS process has adopted the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." He added that Prime Minister Modi championed the expansion of the bloc, strengthening the voice and trust of the Global South. Furthermore, India’s presidency of the 18th BRICS Summit culminated in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, which advanced global governance reforms and fostered a more balanced, multipolar world order.
Reflecting on the theme of the Inaugural Session, "Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development," Shri Harivansh noted that it is both timely and relevant. He observed that citizens across the world expect Parliaments to respond effectively to emerging challenges, whether arising from economic uncertainties, technological transformation, climate change, public health emergencies, or social inequalities. Consequently, Parliaments must remain vigilant, responsive, dynamic, and future-ready in these fast-changing times. He stated that discussions in the Forum will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and identify parliamentary approaches that contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of people.
In conclusion, as the proceedings of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum commence, the Deputy Chairman extended sincere greetings to all delegates, wishing them productive discussions, successful outcomes, and a pleasant and memorable stay in India.