BRICS Parliaments Pledge Sovereign Growth, Fair World Order
Members of BRICS are united in recognising each nation's right to follow its own sovereign development path, Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said on Monday in New Delhi.
Addressing the plenary session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Volodin said the bloc brings together countries with varied political systems, economic models and traditions. Their shared aim, he said, is to create a multipolar world in which different approaches and national laws are respected.
The forum also considered how parliaments can strengthen people-focused development and help preserve the stability of state institutions over the long term.
Volodin said that in its 20 years, BRICS has grown into a major pillar of an emerging multipolar world and a fairer global order. The group now ranks among the largest economic centres and represents the interests of most countries worldwide.
He cited key figures showing the bloc's economic strength. Intra-BRICS trade has climbed to 1.2 trillion dollars, while member states together account for almost a quarter of global exports. He added that the bloc contributes nearly 40 percent of global GDP.
At the parliamentary level, he said, the group's effectiveness should be enhanced by using every opportunity available.
"Relations within BRICS are a model of effective cooperation. Sovereign countries work here on terms of mutual benefit, grow their economies and raise the living standards of their citizens," Volodin said.
He also suggested setting up an expert council within BRICS with specialists in artificial intelligence, a step that would allow lawmakers to share best legislative practices.
Volodin warned that AI presents both opportunities and risks. Its use, he said, must serve the wellbeing of people, and situations in which AI begins to control humanity must be avoided. He described this as a threat that needs to be addressed before it takes hold.
Earlier, Volodin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the forum's opening and conveyed greetings from President Vladimir Putin.
He began his India trip on Sunday and held bilateral discussions with his foreign counterparts during the BRICS forum.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, further meetings and talks with Indian parliamentarians are also planned. The ministry described Russia-India ties as a special strategic partnership built on friendship, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, and said parliamentary cooperation can play an important role in strengthening them.