BRICS Benefits Debate: Chidambaram Questions, Tharoor Underscores India's Diplomatic Clout
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As New Delhi buzzes, hosting the 18th BRICS Summit, a sharp political debate has erupted within India's Indian National Congress, highlighting differing views on the bloc's value. While senior leader P Chidambaram openly questioned the 'tangible benefits' India has gained from recent BRICS meetings, his party colleague Shashi Tharoor strongly defended the grouping, emphasizing its crucial diplomatic role and India's growing influence on the global stage. This internal discord comes as leaders from 11 member nations gather to discuss pressing global issues under India's 2026 Chairship. Chidambaram's skepticism, extending to other multilateral groupings like SCO, G20, and QUAD, suggests a desire for more concrete outcomes beyond mere participation. Tharoor, however, countered that hosting the summit itself confers 'Diplomatic Convening Power', providing a vital platform for the Global South, which the expanded BRICS bloc – now representing a majority of the world's population and 41% of global GDP – truly needs. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has quickly seized on this internal rift, accusing the Congress of undermining India's diplomatic efforts. Amidst this, Tharoor acknowledged a significant 'Trade Imbalance' where India's exports to BRICS countries have declined as imports surged, posing a challenge for the bloc to address. The 2026 BRICS Summit, themed 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', aims to foster practical collaboration across commerce, technology, and development. Discussions are expected to culminate in the 'New Delhi Declaration', outlining collective strategies for global governance and economic resilience. While India advocates for a 'non-West, but not anti-West' approach, the bloc faces ongoing challenges like the 'De-dollarization' debate and achieving consensus among its diverse members, testing India's 'Strategic Autonomy' in shaping a more 'Multipolar Global Order'.