AI can strengthen parliamentary processes, citizen participation: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla (R) and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh hold a Joint Declaration during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at Parliament on Tuesday.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimise parliamentary workflows and deepen citizen participation if its development and use are guided by “human values, ethics, transparency, and accountability”, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Tuesday (October 27, 2026).

Speaking at the concluding session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Mr. Birla said Parliaments are not merely law-making bodies but “vital centres of dialogue, consensus, accountability and public trust”. He stressed the need for legislatures across the world to adapt to changing times by becoming more effective, transparent and citizen-centric.

Mr. Birla said AI and digital technologies could significantly improve parliamentary functioning and citizen engagement, provided they are deployed responsibly. He noted that the Indian Parliament already uses AI to translate parliamentary speeches broadcast on Sansad TV’s YouTube channel in multiple Indian languages. AI is also being used to translate parliamentary papers, helping legislators representing diverse linguistic groups.

The joint declaration adopted by the forum also highlighted the importance of emerging technologies. “We acknowledge the transformative potential of Emerging Technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). We emphasise the necessity of ensuring the open, safe, secure, stable, equitably accessible, peaceful and interoperable use and development of ICTs environment while respecting sovereignty and national security of each country,” the declaration said.

Mr. Birla also reiterated the importance of engaging young people in democratic processes, a theme he had emphasised in his opening address to the forum. Referring to India’s philosophy that “permanent solutions are forged in dialogue, not war”, he called for a global framework based on respect for national sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes and equitable development opportunities.

“Global peace truly means security, respect, justice, and the assurance of a better future for everyone, especially the younger generation,” he said, adding that future generations would judge today’s leaders by the safety and prosperity of the world they left behind.

Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, who hosted a luncheon for the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Delegations of BRICS Members, said in his address at the lunch that democracy is not a new concept to Bharat, noting that history reveals democracy existed in places like Vaishali in the North, while Chola rulers adopted the “kudavolai” system in the South. It is due to this deep-rooted heritage that Bharat is rightly called the Mother of Democracy. Underlining the significance of BRICS, he said that it has evolved into a vital pillar of global cooperation. 

Published - October 27, 2026 05:22 pm IST