New Delhi, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended the relevance of the BRICS grouping, saying it provides an important platform for the Global South and demonstrates India’s diplomatic ability to bring major global powers together.
Tharoor’s remarks came after senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram questioned the tangible economic and strategic benefits India has gained from its participation in BRICS.
Speaking ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, Tharoor said the grouping of 11 countries represented a significant share of the world’s population and global economy.
“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 a report.
He said BRICS countries account for a majority of the world’s population and around 41 per cent of global GDP, making the grouping one that the international community must take seriously.
Tharoor also highlighted the significance of India hosting the summit, saying the participation of heads of state and government from member countries and observers reflected the country’s ability to bring major international players together.
“It shows a certain diplomatic convening power which has value in and of itself on the global stage,” he said.
The two-day 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to begin in New Delhi on September 12. India is hosting the summit as part of its 2026 BRICS Chairship, whose theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
The grouping currently comprises 11 major emerging and developing economies — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for discussions on cooperation among member countries and broader issues concerning the Global South, including economic development, sustainability, innovation and strategic cooperation.
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