Tehran/New Delhi, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf will not attend the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on October 26-27 due to “certain unforeseen circumstances”, the Iranian Embassy in India announced on Saturday.
However, the embassy confirmed that an Iranian parliamentary delegation would participate in the meeting, reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to active engagement with other BRICS member countries.
“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi wishes to inform that, due to certain unforeseen circumstances, H.E. Dr. Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, will be unable to attend the Meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of BRICS Member Countries in New Delhi,” the embassy said in a statement.
It added that Iran remained committed to participating actively and effectively in BRICS summits and meetings at the highest levels.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the country’s delegation will continue dialogue and consultations with representatives of other BRICS members in New Delhi, with the aim of expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly in parliamentary relations.
The Iranian Embassy also expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its hospitality and arrangements for hosting the meeting, expressing hope that the forum would produce constructive outcomes and strengthen cooperation among member countries.
India to Host 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
The Parliament of India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26-27 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi.
The conference, being held under India’s BRICS chairship, will bring together parliamentary leaders and presiding officers from BRICS member and partner countries, along with Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, State Legislature presiding officers and other dignitaries.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently described the gathering as a new chapter in India’s parliamentary diplomacy. He said the forum would provide an opportunity for parliamentary leaders to exchange views and strengthen cooperation on issues of shared interest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event and meet the leaders of visiting delegations, according to the information shared by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
The programme will include bilateral and multilateral interactions involving visiting delegations and parliamentary friendship groups. A meeting of delegation secretaries is also scheduled for Monday to finalise the joint statement of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
People-Centric Development at the Core
The overarching theme of the forum is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”.
According to Birla, the discussions will take place through four high-level sessions covering institutional resilience, human-centred innovation, global governance and sustainability.
The sessions will examine the role of parliaments in strengthening institutions for a better future; promoting human-centred innovation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies; making global governance more representative through parliamentary cooperation; and advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
Delegates will also visit the Parliament of India and participate in cultural visits across Delhi.
The meeting is expected to provide a platform for parliamentary representatives from BRICS countries and partners to exchange perspectives and explore ways to deepen cooperation on common challenges.
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