The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum concluded in New Delhi with parliamentary leaders and representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates adopting a wide-ranging joint declaration centred on the theme, "Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development".

The two-day gathering reinforced the commitments outlined in the New Delhi Declaration and underscored the growing role of BRICS legislatures in shaping discussions on global governance, development, security and international cooperation.

A central feature of the declaration was the call for comprehensive reform of the international peace and security architecture. Member parliaments stressed the need to reform the United Nations, including the Security Council, so that it becomes "more just, equitable, democratic, representative, effective, and efficient". Delegates argued that global institutions must evolve to better reflect contemporary realities and provide a stronger voice to the Global South.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a more equitable, responsive, representative and accountable multilateral system. They described the Global South as an increasingly important force for positive change and reiterated the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace, safeguarding human rights and fostering international solidarity.

On security matters, the declaration adopted a firm stance against terrorism. Delegates condemned all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, emphasising a policy of zero tolerance and rejecting double standards in addressing terrorist threats.

The forum also condemned "in the strongest terms" the Pakistan-backed terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people lost their lives and many others were injured. Participants stressed the need for a united international response against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Leaders called for the swift finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework. They also urged coordinated action against all terrorists and entities designated by the UN and highlighted the importance of respecting international law and human rights while conducting counter-terrorism operations.

The declaration voiced opposition to "the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law". Delegates noted that unilateral economic restrictions and secondary sanctions can have significant adverse effects on human rights, healthcare, food security and the broader right to development.

Attention was also directed towards growing instability in the Middle East and West Asia. Participants expressed "deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia" and called upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could worsen the situation and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, delegates reaffirmed their "unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution, with the two States living side by side, in peace and security". The declaration further supported the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, freedom and an independent sovereign state.

The forum strongly condemned violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian personnel. Participants emphasised the importance of accountability and adherence to international legal obligations.

Member states also welcomed the participation of partner countries and praised their contribution to inter-parliamentary cooperation. The gathering expressed full support for India's 2026 BRICS Chairship under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".

Delegates congratulated India for successfully hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on 12-13 September 2026 and welcomed the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. They pledged continued legislative support for strengthening the BRICS Strategic Partnership across political, security, economic, financial, cultural and people-to-people dimensions based on consensus, mutual respect and openness.

The declaration highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, describing inter-parliamentary cooperation as a unique mechanism for building trust, encouraging inclusiveness and supporting the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

Participants also expressed their intention to deepen engagement through international parliamentary institutions such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union. In this context, they took note of Russia's proposal to explore the creation of a "BRICS Plus geopolitical group within IPU".

Sustainable development featured prominently in the discussions. Delegates reiterated that eradicating poverty in all its forms remains the world's greatest challenge and a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development goals.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for stronger efforts to fulfil nationally determined contributions, enhance climate mitigation and adaptation measures and support just transition pathways under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The declaration emphasised the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. It stated that "developed countries shall provide additional, adequate, predictable, accessible financial resources, capacity building support, technology development and transfer to developing countries on mutually agreed terms for adaptation".

Emerging technologies also received significant attention. Delegates stressed the importance of ensuring the open, safe, secure, stable, peaceful and equitably accessible use of Information and Communication Technologies and Artificial Intelligence while respecting national sovereignty.

The declaration noted that Artificial Intelligence offers substantial opportunities for economic growth, innovation and social development. However, participants stressed that these benefits must be supported by equitable access to AI resources, capacity building, energy efficiency and safeguards for data privacy.

Within parliamentary institutions, the forum encouraged the exchange of best practices relating to digital tools used for legislative research, public outreach and citizen engagement. Delegates welcomed proposals for a digital public infrastructure repository for BRICS countries and pilot projects involving digital public infrastructure solutions.

The declaration also highlighted the value of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in areas including sport, art, education, women’s empowerment and youth engagement. Participants recalled the United Nations General Assembly resolution establishing the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the BRICS Women’s Parliamentarians Forum, delegates reflected on the significance of the 2016 Jaipur Declaration and encouraged stronger interaction among the chairpersons of parliamentary international affairs committees.

In addition, the forum noted Russian proposals to examine the establishment of an inter-parliamentary BRICS Working Group on Sport as well as a BRICS Working Group focused on training and capacity building.

Concluding the summit, participants expressed sincere appreciation to the Parliament and people of India for hosting the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. They also looked ahead to the next gathering in 2027 under the BRICS Chairship of the People’s Republic of China, reaffirming their collective commitment to deeper cooperation, stronger multilateralism and a more representative international order.

ANI