BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asserted that while India's position in BRICS was 'shaky' during the UPA era, the nation has now emerged as one of the bloc's most influential partners.
- BJP accuses Congress of creating a negative atmosphere surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit.
- Sambit Patra cited 2011-12 economic reports to highlight India's past vulnerabilities.
- India is hosting the summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on September 12-13.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and other Opposition parties, accusing them of attempting to foster a "negative atmosphere" around the upcoming BRICS Summit. The ruling party alleged that the Opposition is simply unable to "digest" the rapid progress India has made on the global stage.
BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra, in a pointed video message, contrasted the current state of affairs with the 2011-12 period. He claimed that under the Congress-led UPA government, India's standing within the BRICS bloc was precarious, whereas today, India stands as one of its strongest and most respected partners.
Historical Context: The 'Shaky I'
To substantiate his claims, Mr. Patra referenced reports from 2011 and 2012. He specifically highlighted a 2012 analysis by Goldman Sachs, which described India as the "least attractive BRICS member in valuation terms." According to Patra, Jim O'Neill, then chairman of Goldman Sachs, had ranked India fourth among the BRIC nations, trailing behind China, Brazil, and Russia.
| Metric | UPA Era (2011-12) | Current Era (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| BRICS Standing | Least Attractive/4th Rank | Strongest Partner/Leader |
| Economic Health | High Inflation/Weak Currency | Robust Growth/Global Hub |
| Global Perception | 'Shaky' Position | Celebrated Host & Powerhouse |
Furthermore, Patra cited a September 2011 article that detailed India's struggle with high inflation and a weak currency, noting that the "I" in BRIC was "turning shaky" due to stalled investments and creaky infrastructure during that decade.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the BJP is strategically using historical economic data to frame the current administration as the savior of India's global reputation. By linking the BRICS summit to domestic political failure of the past, the government is turning a diplomatic event into a referendum on economic governance.
"The transition from being a valuation laggard to a strategic leader in BRICS reflects India's successful pivot toward structural reforms and aggressive diplomacy."
The timing of this political spat is critical, as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The conflict intensified after the Congress party questioned the tangible benefits of hosting the high-profile event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where is the 18th BRICS Summit being held?
A: The summit is taking place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13.
Q2: What was the main point of Sambit Patra's argument?
A: He argued that India has moved from being the least attractive BRICS member in 2012 to one of the strongest partners today.
