Parliamentary Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the significance of parliamentary diplomacy during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on October 26, 2026. Speaking to the media at the event, Tharoor described the gathering as a critical platform for legislators to engage with their international counterparts through dialogue that operates outside the formal constraints of state-to-state relations.
"It is very important in many ways," Tharoor said. "This is an opportunity to showcase parliamentary diplomacy." He noted that while governments handle official diplomatic protocols, parliamentarians provide a distinct channel for interaction.
"Not everything is about geopolitics or government-to-government relations," he added. "There is also a very important role that is played by parliamentarians." Tharoor characterized the forum as providing an opportunity for MPs to engage with counterparts through dialogue that is more informal than government-to-government meetings.
Delegations Gather at Parliament Complex
The two-day forum, hosted by the Parliament of India, brought together parliamentary delegations representing 11 member countries and 10 partner nations of BRICS. Foreign delegations from Uganda, Cuba, Brazil, and Russia arrived at the Parliament complex to attend the proceedings.
Russia and Brazil are full member countries in BRICS, while Uganda and Cuba were made partner countries in 2025. The event commenced at 10:00 AM with an inaugural address delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Historical Precedents for Engagement
Tharoor drew upon recent precedents to illustrate the utility of such diplomatic channels. He recalled parliamentary delegations sent abroad after Operation Sindoor last year, noting that foreign officials found direct engagement with Indian MPs useful.
"When we went out last year with the parliamentary delegations after Operation Sindoor, everyone was telling us in the countries we went to how useful it was for them to be able to talk to MPs," Tharoor stated. He explained that foreign counterparts expressed a desire for an opportunity to connect with members of parliament from India, highlighting the practical value of these unofficial diplomatic exchanges.