New Delhi, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended the significance of the upcoming BRICS summit, asserting that it provides a crucial platform for the Global South and showcases India’s diplomatic strength. His remarks come in response to senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, who questioned the tangible benefits India has gained from the group.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Tharoor noted that the 11-member coalition represents a significant portion of the global population and economy. He stated, “There are over 100 countries in the Global South, but here we have 11 key nations presenting a rich diversity of ideas.”
Tharoor emphasized that BRICS countries account for 41 percent of the world’s GDP and a substantial share of the global population, urging the rest of the world to take this group seriously.
He expressed pride in India’s role as the host, highlighting the participation of heads of state and government from member and observer countries as evidence of India’s ability to unite major global players.
“This reflects a unique kind of diplomatic ‘convening power’ that holds relevance on the global stage,” Tharoor added.
His comments come as Chidambaram raised concerns about the economic and strategic benefits India has derived from its BRICS membership.
The 18th BRICS summit will commence on September 12, featuring 11 major emerging and developing economies, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. The theme for India’s presidency in 2026 is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.”
Organized by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI), the summit aims to create a direct platform to connect sovereign capital with infrastructure, energy, and digital projects across the 21 BRICS member and partner countries.
Leave a Comment