From Hormuz to Black Sea, PM Modi pitches BRICS distress network to rescue seafarers

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration triggered a political clash between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress on Saturday. BJP hailed the adoption of the declaration and condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack as a diplomatic triumph, while Congress criticized the government's management of the summit.

BJP president Nitin Nabin lauded the declaration, stating that it demonstrated India's commitment to consensus-building on issues affecting the developing world. He shared the hashtag "Bharat Leads BRICS 2026, The Global South Gains a Stronger Voice" on X.

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari hailed the condemnation of the Pahalgam attack as a major diplomatic win, emphasizing the unity among BRICS countries on the issue. "No ambiguity. No double standards. On Pahalgam, BRICS is on the same page," he said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh invoked Jawaharlal Nehru's notes from the 1955 Bandung Conference after the declaration referenced the "Bandung Spirit." He quoted a line from an old Bollywood song, "Remember that old Bollywood hit song, ‘Tu jahan chalega, mera saaya saath hoga’."

Congress MP Pawan Khera also took a swipe at the government, criticizing the installation of curtains screening slums ahead of the summit. He tweeted, "Not all ‘hijabs’ are unacceptable to the BJP. The one that veils Modi’s failures is their favourite."

In response, BJP Rajasthan president Madan Rathore accused the Congress of hypocrisy, stating, "Other countries praise us, but the opposition can't tolerate this, so they are making such statements."