Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has questioned the tangible benefits India has received from recent BRICS summits. His remarks came just ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, which India will host on September 12 and 13. Chidambaram said he had not seen significant results from the last two or three BRICS meetings. The BJP criticised his comments and questioned whether diplomacy should be judged only through immediate, measurable gains. The exchange has added a political dimension to discussions around India’s role in the major international grouping.Why Did Chidambaram Question BRICS?Chidambaram said India is part of several major multilateral forums, including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G20 and QUAD, but questioned what concrete benefits these memberships have delivered. He said earlier BRICS meetings had produced tangible outcomes but argued that he had not seen similar results from the more recent gatherings. His comments came while New Delhi is preparing to host leaders for the 2026 BRICS summit.Chidambaram questioned the benefits India gained from recent BRICS summits.He referred to India’s participation in BRICS, SCO, G20 and QUAD.He said earlier BRICS meetings had produced more tangible outcomes.The BJP criticised his assessment of India’s multilateral diplomacy.The BRICS Summit 2026 will take place in New Delhi on September 12-13.BJP Challenges Congress PositionThe BJP responded strongly to Chidambaram’s remarks, questioning the Congress leader’s understanding of diplomacy. BJP leader Nalin Kohli asked whether Congress viewed international engagement mainly through a “give and take” approach. He also accused the opposition party of politicising an important international event being hosted by India.Another BJP spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, criticised Chidambaram's remarks and alleged that Congress was opposing the summit because it was being hosted by the current government. He argued that the gathering would provide opportunities for direct discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting leaders.BRICS Summit Nears In DelhiIndia is preparing to host the 2026 BRICS summit as the country holds the grouping's chairship. The summit is scheduled for September 12 and 13 in New Delhi and is expected to bring together leaders from BRICS member states and partner countries. India assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”The political debate comes at a time when BRICS has expanded beyond its original five-member structure. The current grouping includes 11 members, while several additional countries participate as partner nations. This wider membership has increased the bloc’s international significance while also making questions about its practical impact on individual members more prominent.Key HighlightsP Chidambaram questioned the tangible results of recent BRICS meetings.He said earlier BRICS summits had delivered more concrete outcomes.India is hosting the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi.BJP leaders criticised Chidambaram’s assessment of multilateral diplomacy.India holds the BRICS chairship for 2026.The summit is scheduled for September 12 and 13.ConclusionP Chidambaram’s comments have triggered a political debate over what India should expect from BRICS and other multilateral organisations. While he has questioned the recent grouping’s tangible outcomes, the BJP has defended India’s engagement and highlighted the diplomatic opportunities offered by hosting the summit. The discussion now comes as leaders prepare to gather in New Delhi. The summit could provide a platform for India to demonstrate its priorities and pursue its interests through direct engagement with other members.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only and is based on currently available reports.
