New Delhi, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday accused the Congress of weakening India’s economic position during its years in power and said the Narendra Modi government had strengthened the country’s standing on the global stage.
His remarks came amid a political row over Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram’s criticism of India’s participation in BRICS. Chidambaram had questioned the tangible economic and strategic gains India had secured from the grouping and said he had not seen significant outcomes from its recent meetings.
Addressing a press conference, Prasad referred to the International Monetary Fund’s assessment of India’s economy following 7.8 per cent growth in the second quarter. He said the IMF had highlighted the resilience of the Indian economy and progress in services, manufacturing and trade.
Taking an apparent swipe at Chidambaram and the Congress, Prasad said the party should first consider India’s position in BRICS during its tenure at the Centre.
He recalled that India had been described as part of the “Fragile Five” by Goldman Sachs during 2011-13, amid concerns over slowing investment. Prasad also claimed that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India’s position within BRICS had deteriorated to the extent that there were suggestions of replacing India with Indonesia.
“You brought the country down. Today, we have built it up and enhanced its standing,” Prasad said, asserting that India had emerged as a “bright spot” within BRICS.
The BJP leader said the international community now viewed India with greater confidence and enthusiasm, recognising it as a major global economy contributing to worldwide economic stability.
He attributed the country’s 7.8 per cent growth rate to the resilience of the Indian economy despite challenges including the energy crisis, global supply-chain disruptions, ongoing conflicts and the situation in the Gulf.
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