New Delhi : The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in the national capital, New Delhi, on September 12–13. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India to attend the summit, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive on September 12.

However, ahead of this summit, the Congress party appears divided. While senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has questioned the benefits India derives from BRICS, another senior leader, Shashi Tharoor, is praising India’s diplomatic strength.

Highlighting the significance of BRICS, Tharoor said, “First of all, we are providing a crucial platform for the Global South. You know, there are over 100 countries in the Global South, but here we have 11 key nations representing the diversity of ideas and the range of countries whose interests we are championing on this special occasion.”

Elaborating on the strength of the BRICS nations, Tharoor added, “This grouping—the 11 BRICS nations—represents the majority of the world’s population and 41 percent of the global GDP.”

Describing the hosting of the summit as a matter of prestige, Tharoor stated, “This event holds immense global significance. It is no small matter; it is something the rest of the world should take very seriously.”

Tharoor further remarked, “Secondly, the arrival of a dozen heads of state and government is a major development. It is a matter of great prestige for us that not only BRICS members but also observers are attending at the level of presidents and prime ministers. This demonstrates a unique diplomatic ability to bring everyone together—a capability that holds significant weight on the global stage.” Speaking to news agency ANI about BRICS, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram said, “I do not know how many presidents and prime ministers are coming. I do not think any tangible benefit or concrete outcome has emerged from the last two or three BRICS summits.”

Launching a scathing attack on Chidambaram’s statement, the BJP likened him to a “disgruntled uncle” (a relative who is perpetually annoyed)—the sort of person unable to digest India’s progress.

Commenting on the challenges facing the BRICS summit, Tharoor said, “Now, this does not mean there are only benefits; there are challenges too, particularly the lack of alignment in views. For instance, reaching a consensus on a joint declaration regarding global issues.”

Tharoor added, “When the foreign ministers met, instead of issuing a joint declaration based on consensus, India issued a ‘Chair’s Declaration’ (a statement by the chairperson). Will this happen again? Some might view this as a setback or a sign of a lack of fundamental cohesion within the group, or will we be able to resolve our differences? This will be a major challenge for our diplomats.”

Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)