Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Congress Urges Modi to Turn BRICS Chairmanship Into Gains
India is chairing the BRICS group of countries in 2026.
The Congress party said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should use this role to improve India’s relationships with developing countries.
It said India’s statements about supporting the Global South should be matched by clear actions.
Congress criticized the government’s response to the West Asia war and its handling of concerns involving Iran and South Africa.
It also said trade between India and BRICS countries is not balanced enough.
The party wants Indian businesses to get better access to BRICS markets.
It called for safer supply chains and a shared financial safety system.
Congress also wants progress on BRICS Pay and other cooperation projects.
Finally, it wants BRICS countries to support India’s campaign for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.
Congress urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use India’s BRICS chairmanship to restore trust and diplomatic influence across the Global South.
The party said India should respond more clearly to the West Asia war and concerns involving Iran and South Africa.
Congress called for greater market access, fewer trade barriers and more balanced economic ties with BRICS countries.
It sought stronger supply-chain cooperation, inclusive connectivity, progress on BRICS Pay and activation of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
The party urged BRICS members to support India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
- Who
- The Indian National Congress, through Salman Khurshid, addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
- What
- Congress urged India to use its BRICS chairmanship to rebuild Global South trust, strengthen cooperation, improve trade and advance its United Nations Security Council claim.
- When
- The statement was issued on September 12, 2026, during the 18th BRICS Summit.
- Where
- The summit was held in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Congress said India should restore diplomatic credibility, protect its economic interests and provide stronger leadership among developing countries.
Congress’s Criticism
Government’s Stated Emphasis
Global South diplomacy
Congress’s Criticism
Congress said India must take consistent and consequential action to rebuild confidence among developing countries.
Government’s Stated Emphasis
The government has emphasized India’s role as a voice of the Global South, according to the Congress statement.
Response to international crises
Congress’s Criticism
Congress criticized what it described as limited diplomatic involvement in the West Asia war, perceived endorsement of attacks on Iran and inadequate support for South Africa.
Government’s Stated Emphasis
Congress urged the government to use BRICS to build consensus and solidarity among members rather than allowing the grouping to become involved in bloc politics.
BRICS’s future role
Congress’s Criticism
Congress wants BRICS to deepen South-South cooperation and function as a stabilizing forum in a fragmented international system.
Government’s Stated Emphasis
Congress also said India should avoid turning BRICS into a bloc while using the grouping to advance national interests and constructive multilateralism.
- Summit
- 18th BRICS Summit
- Statement date
- September 12, 2026
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- BRICS trade share
- BRICS countries collectively account for 19.6% of global merchandise trade
- Contingent Reserve Arrangement
- India has pledged $18 billion
- Congress spokesperson
- Salman Khurshid, chairperson of the All India Congress Committee Foreign Affairs department
- Additional demand
- Congress wants BRICS members to support India’s permanent membership claim at the United Nations Security Council
