Birla-Volodin Talks Focus on Expanding India-Russia Legislative Cooperation
New Delhi, October 25: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Russian State Duma Chairman Viacheslav Volodin met in New Delhi on Sunday and explored ways to broaden legislative cooperation between the two countries.
The leaders agreed on the importance of continuous institutional contact between the Lok Sabha and the State Duma. They also discussed organising regular visits by parliamentary delegations and encouraging meaningful exchanges among young and women parliamentarians.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The meeting preceded the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026. Among those present were BJP MP Sambit Patra, Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, and other officials.
Birla wrote on X that the meeting was friendly and substantive. He said the close bonds of friendship, mutual trust and understanding between India and Russia underpin their long-term partnership. As the two nations celebrate 80 years of diplomatic ties, he added, both sides have renewed their commitment to a partnership rooted in mutual respect, trust and shared aspirations.
During the discussion, the Lok Sabha Speaker outlined India's technology initiatives designed to make parliamentary proceedings more accessible, inclusive and citizen-oriented. The Sansad Bhashini platform was among the examples he cited. He expressed hope that stronger parliamentary links would accelerate the partnership between the two countries.
In another post on X, Birla said the discussions covered widening parliamentary cooperation through steady institutional ties, regular exchange of delegations and better dialogue among young and women MPs. He also said the leaders shared views on strengthening cooperation among BRICS parliaments, fighting terrorism through tangible international efforts and advancing reforms of the UN Security Council.
Birla thanked Russia for its continued backing of India's permanent membership of the Security Council.
Earlier, Volodin visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Volodin is on an official visit to India to attend the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which the Indian Parliament is hosting on October 26 and 27 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Under India's presidency, the forum will bring together parliamentary leaders from BRICS members and partner countries to discuss people-centric development and enhance parliamentary cooperation.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament House on Thursday, Birla described the forum as a new chapter in India's parliamentary diplomacy. Presiding officers and parliamentary leaders from BRICS members and partner countries, Union ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, state assembly presiding officers, MPs and other dignitaries are expected to attend.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the programme and meet delegations from different countries, Birla said. The forum will also feature bilateral and multilateral talks with delegation leaders and parliamentary friendship groups.
A meeting of delegation secretaries will take place on October 25 to finalise the joint statement of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.