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Tharoor Counters Chidambaram on BRICS Benefits; BJP Says 'Congress Exposes Congress'
- •Shashi Tharoor defended BRICS as a platform for the Global South and a demonstration of India's diplomatic power, contradicting P Chidambaram's skepticism about its tangible benefits.
- •Tharoor highlighted BRICS' significance, noting its 11 members represent a majority of the world's population and 41% of global GDP, making it a force to be taken seriously.
- •He argued that hosting the BRICS summit, with multiple heads of state and government attending, boosts India's prestige and diplomatic convening power on the global stage.
- •The BJP seized on the internal Congress disagreement, with spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stating, "Congress exposes Congress!"
- •Tharoor acknowledged BRICS' limitations, particularly the challenge of achieving a convergence of views among members on international conflicts and global issues.
Key Questions Answered
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram questioned the "tangible benefits" India has gained from BRICS, stating he has not seen any significant outcomes or concrete benefits from the last two or three summits. He raised these doubts regarding India's participation in multilateral groupings, including BRICS, the SCO, G20, and QUAD, ahead of the 2026 summit in Delhi.
Shashi Tharoor countered Chidambaram by stating that hosting the BRICS summit demonstrates India's "diplomatic convening power" and is a matter of great prestige. He described the grouping as an important platform for the Global South, representing 11 key players that collectively account for 41 percent of global GDP and a majority of the world's population.
The BJP targeted the Congress party, using the contrasting statements as ammunition to claim "Congress exposes Congress". BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari remarked on X that Tharoor's comments exposed Congress members who were opposing BRICS on the instructions of Rahul Gandhi.
