The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (BRICS PF) concluded in New Delhi on 27 October 2026 with presiding officers and parliamentary delegations from member countries unanimously adopting a Joint Declaration that emphasises comprehensive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform, tougher multilateral action against cross‑border terrorism and measures on technology governance.
Inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla under the theme “Fostering Parliaments for People‑Centric Development,” the two‑day forum aligned its final text with the priorities already set out in the BRICS New Delhi Leaders Declaration. The forum’s closing document explicitly cited Paragraph 13 of the New Delhi Declaration in calling for a more representative and democratic international peace and security architecture.
What the declaration prioritises
The Joint Declaration highlights several security and governance priorities that matter to India’s diplomatic and strategic posture while it holds the BRICS 2026 chairship:
- UNSC reform: an explicit endorsement of comprehensive changes to the Security Council to increase representation for the Global South and make the Council more agile and democratic.
- Counter‑terrorism: condemnation of cross‑border terrorism, terror financing and safe havens, with a call for a global policy of “zero tolerance” and urging swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
- Technology and development: guidance on ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and support for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including endorsement of a DPI repository for BRICS countries to improve public service delivery.
The declaration condemns double standards in countering terrorism and calls for concerted action against UN‑designated terrorist individuals and entities. It also urges that counter‑terrorism measures adhere to international law and human rights standards, reflecting language previously advanced in the New Delhi Leaders Declaration.
Implications for India’s chairship and diplomacy
BRICS parliamentary endorsement of these positions reinforces India’s diplomatic emphasis during its 2026 BRICS Chairship on reforming global governance and on coordinated action against terrorism. The Joint Declaration positions parliaments from BRICS and partner nations behind New Delhi’s stated priorities on international institutions, technology governance and climate responsibilities.
| Key focus area | Declaratory emphasis |
|---|---|
| UNSC reform | Comprehensive, representative reform; cite of Paragraph 13 (New Delhi Declaration) |
| Counter‑terrorism | Zero tolerance for cross‑border terrorism; adopt Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism |
| AI and DPI | Ethical AI; launch DPI repository for BRICS to strengthen public services |
Delegations at the forum included parliamentary leaders from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, who together reaffirmed multilateralism and the role of the Global South in shaping international norms.
By unanimous adoption, the Joint Declaration gives parliamentary backing across BRICS to the Leaders Declaration’s calls for reform and for stronger, coordinated counter‑terrorism action within multilateral fora.
