Former Congress leader P. Chidambaram raised doubts about the tangible gains India has received from the recent BRICS summit. In a swift rebuttal, Shashi Tharoor enumerated five key advantages, igniting a fresh political spat between the BJP and Congress.

  • P. Chidambaram doubts the practical benefits of BRICS for India
  • Shashi Tharoor outlines five concrete advantages
  • BJP accuses Congress of downplaying India's global stature

New Delhi – Former Congress minister P. Chidambaram questioned the economic and strategic returns India has secured from the latest BRICS summit, stating that no measurable benefit has materialised so far.

Responding promptly, senior Congress spokesperson and former foreign minister Shashi Tharoor listed five specific gains: access to emerging technologies, alternative energy collaborations, expanded trade corridors, infrastructure financing, and enhanced strategic cooperation.

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BJP national president Nitin Nabin dismissed Chidambaram’s remarks as “political theatrics,” arguing that the Congress is unwilling to acknowledge India’s rising global influence. He praised Tharoor’s points as “clear and substantive.”

Historical Background

BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – was formed in 2006 and held its first summit in 2012. Since joining, India has sought to leverage the group for technology transfer and market access, yet critics claim that promised benefits have often remained on paper, especially after the 2022 and 2023 summits.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the debate highlights a deeper rift within Indian politics regarding the country's multilateral strategy and its ability to translate global forums into tangible domestic gains.

“Quantifying BRICS‑related gains is challenging, but the strategic partnership value cannot be ignored,” said an international relations expert.
Did You Know?: In 2023, India piloted a digital currency initiative within the BRICS framework, positioning its fintech sector on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has trade with other BRICS nations increased?
A: Yes, India‑BRICS trade has grown at an average annual rate of about 12% over the past five years.

Q2: Has India received any direct financial assistance from BRICS?
A: Direct funding has not yet materialised, but numerous projects have secured technical cooperation and investment pledges.