IndiaPosted at: Oct 25 2026 6:20PM


India, Russia seek stronger Parliamentary ties ahead of BRICS forum in New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 25 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin held bilateral talks on Sunday to strengthen the longstanding India-Russia strategic partnership, deepen parliamentary cooperation and enhance coordination on international issues ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi.
The two-day forum, scheduled for October 26 and 27 at Samvidhan Sadan, will bring together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member countries to discuss common priorities, development challenges and the role of legislatures in promoting international cooperation. The Russian parliamentary delegation is visiting India to participate in the gathering, which provides a platform for lawmakers to exchange legislative experiences and perspectives on global affairs.
During the discussions, Birla underscored the importance of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, describing the completion of 80 years of diplomatic relations as a significant milestone. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1947 and will mark the anniversary in 2027. Their partnership spans defence, trade, energy, science and technology, cultural exchanges and cooperation in multilateral forums.
Emphasising the need to sustain regular engagement between the two legislatures, Birla proposed exploring the possibility of convening the next meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission between the Indian and Russian parliaments. Both sides stressed the importance of institutionalising parliamentary dialogue and facilitating regular exchanges of delegations to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.
The leaders also discussed expanding interaction among young and women parliamentarians and strengthening bilateral engagement through Parliamentary Friendship Groups. Such initiatives, they noted, could provide opportunities to exchange legislative experiences, share best practices and build closer ties among elected representatives of the two countries.
Highlighting India's efforts to modernise parliamentary functioning, Birla briefed the Russian delegation on initiatives to make parliamentary proceedings accessible in various Indian languages through Sansad Bhashini. He emphasised the importance of technology in making legislative processes more accessible, efficient and people-centric, while strengthening communication between parliamentary institutions and citizens.
The discussions also covered the importance of closer cooperation among BRICS parliaments in addressing global challenges and advancing the interests of developing countries. The parliamentary forum is expected to provide an opportunity for legislators to exchange views on governance, development and international cooperation, complementing diplomatic engagement among the member countries.
Counterterrorism featured prominently in the talks, with both sides stressing the need for stronger international cooperation and concerted efforts to combat the threat. Birla appreciated Russia's support for India on the issue, underscoring the importance of cooperation against terrorism. India has consistently called for effective international action against terrorist organisations and those who support, finance or sponsor their activities.
Birla also welcomed Russia's support for reforming the United Nations Security Council and India's bid for permanent membership. India has long maintained that the Council's composition must reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and provide greater representation to developing countries. New Delhi argues that meaningful reform is essential to make global institutions more representative, accountable and effective in responding to international crises.
Beyond parliamentary engagement and multilateral issues, the two sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, science and technology, agriculture, industry and people-to-people exchanges. The discussions reflected a shared interest in diversifying bilateral ties and complementing established government-to-government relations with stronger institutional links between the two parliaments.
The meeting comes as India prepares to host parliamentary leaders from across the BRICS grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with its expanded membership. The forum offers New Delhi an opportunity to promote dialogue among developing and emerging economies on common challenges and international priorities.
Birla's talks with Volodin thus highlighted the importance both countries attach to parliamentary diplomacy as a means of sustaining their longstanding strategic partnership, strengthening cooperation on international issues and broadening engagement between their elected representatives. UNI SKA AAB
Tags: #India# Russia seek stronger Parliamentary ties ahead of BRICS forum in New Delhi
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