Tharoor Backs BRICS, Says It Shows India's Diplomatic Convening Power

<p>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has come out in defence of the BRICS grouping, arguing that it offers a vital platform for the Global South and reflects India's ability to bring major global players to the same table, even as senior party colleague P. Chidambaram questioned what India has concretely gained from its membership.</p>
<p>Speaking ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Tharoor said the bloc of 11 countries represents a significant share of the world's population and a substantial slice of the global economy. He noted that while the Global South comprises more than 100 countries, BRICS brings together 11 key players from within it who collectively reflect much of the diversity of views shaping international affairs.</p>
<p>"The Global South is over 100 countries but here we have 11 key players from the Global South who collectively represent much of the diversity of views," Tharoor said, according to NDTV.</p>
<p>The BRICS nations account for a majority of the world's population and 41 per cent of global GDP, he pointed out, adding that the grouping is something the rest of the world has to take very seriously.</p>
<p>On hosting the summit, Tharoor said it was a matter of prestige for India, with heads of state and government from member countries and observer nations attending. "It shows a certain diplomatic convening power which has value in and of itself on the global stage," he said.</p>
<p>His comments followed Chidambaram's remarks questioning the tangible economic and strategic benefits India has derived from its participation in BRICS.</p>
<p>The two-day 18th BRICS Summit begins in New Delhi on September 12, bringing together eleven major emerging and developing economies: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. India's Chairship 2026 carries the theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.</p>