Shashi Tharoor backs Brics prestige after Chidambaram questions 'tangible benefits'
Indian politician Shashi Tharoor has defended the value of BRICS membership following criticism from his Congress colleague P. Chidambaram. The disagreement sparked a broader political debate involving the BJP, focusing on the efficacy of India's current diplomatic strategy.
Why it matters
It illustrates internal party friction and the ongoing debate regarding the tangible economic and diplomatic benefits of international alliances for India.
NEW DELHI: Shashi Tharoor not being in sync with his Congress colleagues is no longer news. Especially, if the issue in question pertains to the global stage. So, when senior Congress leader Chidambaram questioned the benefits of Brics for India, Tharoor had an answer. As expected, the answer triggered another round of Tharoor vs Congress debate that overshadowed the BJP broadside against Chidambaram.On Wednesday, Chidambaram questioned the tangible benefits India has gained from recent Brics summits, and said he had not seen any significant outcomes from the last two or three meetings.“I don't know how many presidents and how many prime ministers are coming. I don't think the last two or three Brics summits have resulted in tangible benefits or tangible results,” Chidambaram stated. “In fact, we are part of Brics, we are part of SCO, we are part of G20, and we are part of QUAD.
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