Brasilia/New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said despite the global uncertainties and domestic challenges, India has consistently outperformed the global growth average.
“Rising from the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 4th largest today is a testament to India’s robust policies and the strength of its people,” Birla said while addressing the 2nd Working Session of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum here on the theme ‘BRICS Parliamentary Action in Search of New Paths for Economic Development’, an official statement said.
He said that from 2014-15 to 2024-25, India’s GDP has grown at an average rate of over 7 percent, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
Birla noted that India is not only the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy but also a nation with stable governance, strong constitutional institutions, the rule of law, a transparent and accountable tax system, and decisive leadership that has earned the trust of global investors.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that India supports a fair and rule-based global trading system—one that adequately addresses the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
“India views the BRICS Parliamentary Forum as a vital platform—where through shared efforts and dialogue, we can redefine the contours of economic development. This forum further reinforces our commitment to mutual cooperation, solidarity, and the welfare of our citizens,” the Speaker added.
Moreover, during his bilateral meeting with President of the Federal Senate of Brazil, Davi Alcolumbre, Birla said that terrorism is the biggest threat to global peace and stability.
While referring to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 innocent civilians were brutally killed, Birla said, “Pakistan has failed to take concrete action against the terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory; India exercised its right to respond, to prevent such cross-border attacks in the future, and to defend itself.”
On Operation Sindoor, Birla said that these steps were “measured, non-provocative, proportionate, and responsible”. Their sole objective was to destroy terrorist infrastructure and neutralise the capabilities of terrorists.
“Today’s India is firmly committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards all forms of terrorism and gives a strong response to every terrorist attack,” he added.
On the sidelines of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Lok Sabha Speaker also held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil Hugo Motta.
Birla observed that India and Brazil are natural partners. Both countries have, from time to time, provided direction and momentum to their bilateral relations through high-level dialogues.
He added, “There is extensive collaboration between the two countries in areas such as defence, technology, space, energy, and culture. The special session organised by the Brazilian Congress in 2022 on the occasion of 75 years of India’s independence is a testament to our special friendship.”
UNI
