Development Must Not Come at the Cost of Ecological Balance, Says Om Birla at BRICS Forum

Addressing the inaugural session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House complex, Birla said India’s philosophical traditions viewed development and environmental protection as complementary goals that could reinforce each other.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement that Birla emphasised the need to frame policies for economic and social progress around environmental responsibility, long-term sustainability and the protection of future generations.

Birla Highlights Role of Youth in Nation-Building

Birla also underscored the responsibility of parliaments to listen to younger generations and create opportunities for them to contribute to nation-building.

He said young people’s energy, creativity and capabilities needed to be channelled towards constructive goals, adding that empowering youth was not merely an investment in individual futures but also a commitment to the collective future of nations.

The two-day forum is being held under the theme ‘Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development’ and will deliberate on four interconnected priorities: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Stronger Parliamentary Institutions Needed

Emphasising the importance of resilient democratic institutions, Birla said BRICS countries needed to strengthen their legislative frameworks and institutional capacities to ensure continuity, accountability and effective democratic oversight, particularly during periods of uncertainty and disruption.

He described parliaments as evolving institutions that must adapt to changing public expectations while continuing to uphold their responsibilities.

Birla also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming BRICS into an “ecosystem of solutions”, saying the forum’s success should be measured by the practical outcomes it delivers rather than the scope of discussions alone.

He stressed that parliamentary deliberations should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Diversity Can Strengthen BRICS Cooperation

Birla described the diversity of BRICS countries as an asset that could support stronger cooperation rather than an obstacle to collective action.

He said parliamentary diplomacy should encourage collaboration while respecting the sovereignty of every nation and recognising their distinct perspectives and priorities.

The forum provides an opportunity for parliamentary leaders from member and partner countries to exchange views on legislative cooperation and approaches to people-centred development.

PM Modi Interacts with Parliamentary Delegates

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum and interacted with foreign delegates at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

The gathering brought together presiding officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries, Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, presiding officers of state legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.

The discussions are focused on strengthening parliamentary institutions and cooperation to support inclusive development, institutional resilience and sustainability across the participating countries.