BRICS Parliamentary Forum Joint Declaration
Why in News?
- The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum ended in New Delhi on 27 October 2026 with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Declaration, News On AIR reported.
- The two-day forum had the theme "Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development" and was hosted by the Parliament of India. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the inaugural address on 26 October.
- Members expressed deep concern at the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia and urged protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- Presiding Officers and representatives from 10 countries attended: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the UAE.
Key Terminologies
- BRICS Parliamentary Forum
- A forum in which parliaments of BRICS countries meet to exchange views and adopt a joint declaration. It complements the leaders' summit and the work of governments.
- Joint Declaration
- The formal outcome adopted by consensus at the end of the forum. It sets out members' shared positions but is not a binding treaty.
- Unilateral Coercive Measures
- Sanctions and similar steps imposed by one country or group on another without UN authorisation. Members said they are contrary to international law.
- Multipolarity
- A world order with several centres of power. Members said that multipolarity and multilateralism can expand opportunities for emerging markets and developing countries.
Key Issues
- West Asia Escalation: Members urged maximum restraint, dialogue and diplomacy and called for protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure under the UN Charter. They also stressed keeping trade, supply chains and energy flowing in line with international law.
- Sanctions: The declaration condemned unilateral economic and secondary sanctions, which members said have far-reaching negative effects. Different members are affected in different ways, so the group's unity is tested.
- Terrorism: Members condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens, and condemned in the strongest terms the 22 April 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people.
- Global Governance Reform: Members committed to reforming global governance towards a more just, equitable, democratic and accountable multilateral system, but the article does not give specific steps.
- Absent Leaders: Iran's Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf did not attend, and a parliamentary delegation represented Tehran, as The Tribune reported.
Key Implications
Positive/Pros/Merits
- A Shared Message on West Asia: A unanimous call for restraint and protection of civilians shows common ground among members that hold different positions.
- Support for India's Terror Concerns: The strong condemnation of the Jammu and Kashmir attack and the call for zero tolerance and no double standards back India's position.
- Voice for the Global South: Members affirmed BRICS' role in voicing the concerns of the Global South through voluntary development cooperation and capacity-building.
- Climate Language: Members called for stronger implementation of nationally determined contributions, mitigation and adaptation, and just transition pathways.
Negative/Cons/Demerits
- Declarations Are Non-Binding: The text states positions but gives no binding steps, so impact depends on governments.
- Differences Within the Group: Members include countries with different stands on sanctions, West Asia and security, which limits how far they can go.
- Limited Detail on Reform: The report reviewed does not mention specific reform of the UN Security Council.
- Thin Report on AI and the Next Host: The article does not give details on artificial intelligence governance or the next host of the forum, though they were on the agenda or expected.
Key Initiatives
- Joint Declaration, 27 October 2026: It was unanimously adopted at the end of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
- Host Role of India's Parliament: Members thanked the Parliament of India for its hospitality.
- Four Thematic Pillars: The forum was organised around Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, The Tribune reported.
- Calls on West Asia: Members called for dialogue and diplomacy to reach a long-term understanding for peace, security and stability.
- Terrorism Commitment: Members reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, and called for holding perpetrators and supporters accountable.
The Parliament of India hosted the forum and the Lok Sabha Speaker chaired it. The reports reviewed do not name the host of the next forum or list follow-up steps, so the next signal to watch is whether member parliaments take up the declaration's language on sanctions, terrorism and global governance in their own debates and committees.
Director's Perspective
Way Forward
- Turn the declaration's language on terrorism and sanctions into specific parliamentary exchanges and joint studies.
- Use the forum to share best practice on legislation for AI and data, so that the agenda has practical results.
- Track follow-up each year, so that declarations lead to action.
The declaration shows BRICS parliaments agreeing on restraint in West Asia, opposition to unilateral sanctions and zero tolerance for terrorism. The strengths are unanimity and the backing for India's concerns, while the weaknesses are non-binding language and differences within the group. In a Mains answer, credit India for hosting a consensus text, then conclude that its worth will depend on follow-up by governments and parliaments.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum?
The forum, held in New Delhi on 26 and 27 October 2026, ended with a unanimously adopted Joint Declaration. It expressed concern over West Asia, condemned unilateral sanctions and terrorism, and backed reform of global governance, News On AIR reported.
What was the theme of the forum?
The theme was "Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development". The Tribune reported that the forum was organised around four pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
What did BRICS parliaments say on terrorism?
Members condemned terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, condemned in the strongest terms the 22 April 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, and called for zero tolerance, accountability for perpetrators and supporters, and rejection of double standards.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 A Joint Declaration adopted at a BRICS Parliamentary Forum is a binding treaty.
It states members' shared positions but is not legally binding.
2 The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was hosted by the Parliament of India in New Delhi.
It was held on 26 and 27 October 2026.
3 Unilateral economic and secondary sanctions were condemned in the 2026 declaration.
Members called them contrary to international law.