Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Addresses BRICS Forum in Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation at the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, addressed the plenary session on the role of parliaments in countering the fragmentation of the multilateral trade system and overcoming global crisis threats.

Birla emphasized that sustainable development includes environmental protection and must be achieved equitably, considering different countries’ economic development levels. He warned against unilateral measures justified as environmental actions that impact trade and violate WTO rules.

Birla highlighted India’s commitment to climate change adaptation, noting that India prioritizes livelihood protection amid the global crisis. He mentioned India’s low per capita energy usage and minimal contribution to global emissions, stressing the country’s consistent actions toward environmental sustainability.

Birla also emphasized the role of parliaments in enacting legislation to protect financial and economic sovereignty and support international recommendations. He reiterated India’s commitment to a fair and transparent multilateral trading system centered on the WTO.

Birla called for reforms in global bodies to reflect contemporary realities and expressed optimism that BRICS countries will become a leading engine of global economic growth.