Chidambaram questions benefit of BRICS; Demonstrates India’s diplomatic capability, says Chidambaram, differences of opinion in Congress

NEW DELHI: Differences of opinion have emerged within the Congress party over the BRICS summit. Congress leader P Chidambaram’s view questioning the benefits of BRICS summit has been rejected by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor has described India hosting the BRICS summit as a matter of great prestige and highlighted its diplomatic significance. Tharoor said that the BRICS summit demonstrates India’s ability to coordinate diplomatically.

The summit brings together 11 prominent countries selected from the Global South, which comprises more than 100 countries. Tharoor said that this grouping cannot be dismissed lightly, as it represents a major share of the world’s population and accounts for 41 percent of global GDP.

The summit being held in Delhi is a matter of great pride for India at the international level. The participation of heads of government and observers from various countries highlights India’s diplomatic influence on the global stage. Tharoor added that such international gatherings have considerable value.

He also spoke about the challenges associated with it. In particular, he pointed the difficulty of reaching consensus on major global issues. Tharoor recalled that the failure to issue a joint statement on the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran issue at an earlier meeting of foreign ministers held in Delhi was an example of this.

He also highlighted the imbalance in trade. Although trade among BRICS countries is increasing, this often works against India’s interests. Tharoor pointed that a major challenge is the decline in India’s exports to these countries while imports from them continue to rise.