Tharoor Backs BRICS Summit, Differs With Chidambaram's Criticism of Event

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended India’s hosting of the BRICS Summit, describing it as a significant diplomatic opportunity and a demonstration of the country’s ability to bring major global leaders together. His comments came after senior party leader P Chidambaram questioned the tangible benefits India had gained from participating in multilateral groupings and hosting such events.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Tharoor said the BRICS platform was important for representing the interests and diversity of the Global South. He noted that the 11-member grouping represented a substantial share of the world’s population and accounted for around 41 per cent of global gross domestic product. According to him, the scale of the grouping made the summit an event that deserved serious attention from the international community.

Tharoor also described the presence of several heads of state and government, including representatives from member countries and observer nations, as a matter of prestige for India. He said the participation of senior leaders demonstrated India’s “diplomatic convening power”, which itself carried value on the global stage beyond immediate or measurable outcomes.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Calls For Paid Maternity Leave To Support Breastfeeding Mothers

The remarks contrasted with Chidambaram’s recent criticism of India’s involvement in platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the G20 and the Quad. Chidambaram had said he was unsure what concrete benefits the country had received from the last few BRICS summits and argued that earlier meetings had produced more tangible results. His comments drew criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The BJP accused the Congress of viewing diplomacy too narrowly and questioned the party’s approach to India’s engagement with other countries. BJP leaders said the summit would provide opportunities for direct meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting leaders, arguing that diplomatic value could not always be measured through immediate transactions or specific announcements.

The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi over the weekend under the theme “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. India, which assumed the BRICS chairship for the fourth time on January 1, is expected to use the gathering to discuss global economic and geopolitical challenges, including the impact of the West Asia crisis.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Expresses Regret Over ‘Drama’ Remark On Nepal Floods Amid Outrage