LS Speaker Om Birla meets counterparts from Cuba, Russia ahead of BRICS parliamentary forum meeting

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Vice-President of Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State, Ana Maria Mari Machado pose for a group photograph with other delegates during their meeting ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026, in New Delhi on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Photo credit: X/@loksabhaspeaker via ANI Ahead of Cuba’s resolution against the U.S. blockade to be taken up by the UN General Assembly on October 27, the Caribbean nation intensified its diplomatic outreach to the Global South on Sunday (October 25, 2026), with the Vice President of Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State Mari Machado meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla here. Following the meeting with Ms. Machado, Mr. Birla said they had “discussed strengthening parliamentary exchanges, capacity-building and cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.” Cuba is participating in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum meeting as a partner country of the grouping.This comes two days after Cuba’s ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera accused the United States of carrying out a naval blockade that has created an acute energy crisis in his country. “Cuba is fully capable of defending itself. The U.S. is practising the Monroe Doctrine in our region,” Mr. Aguilera said, seeking support for Cuba’s UNGA resolution.80th anniversary of tiesMr. Birla also met the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, Vyacheslav Volodin, on Saturday (October 24), to discuss bilateral ties. India and Russia are marking the 80th anniversary of their bilateral relationship and the two dignitaries carried out a review of parliament-level exchanges between the two countries against the backdrop of unfolding global and regional developments.The Lok Sabha Speaker informed the Russian delegation about the steps taken to make parliamentary proceedings accessible in various Indian languages through Sansad Bhashini. According to a statement issued by the Parliament Secretariat, Mr. Birla highlighted the importance of using technology in making parliamentary functioning more accessible, efficient, and people-centric. Published - October 25, 2026 08:12 pm IST