Chidambaram’s remarks came as authorities in the capital intensified preparations for the Brics summit.

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram has questioned what India has gained from recent Brics meetings, saying he has not seen any tangible benefits from the last two or three summits.With India set to host the Brics Summit 2026 in Delhi, Chidambaram said the country is part of several major international groupings but questioned whether they had delivered concrete gains for India.“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 told news agency ANI.“In fact, we are part of Brics, we are part of SCO, we are part of G20, and we are part of Quad. What benefits are we getting out of that? I can’t see. In the last two or three summits, I didn’t see any benefits. Earlier, the Brics Summits resulted in some tangible benefits,” he added.

Delhi steps up preparations

Chidambaram’s remarks came as authorities in the capital intensified preparations for the summit. Delhi Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar and PWD Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar inspected key areas on Wednesday, including the summit venue and locations around Bharat Mandapam.Senior officials from both departments, including deputy commissioners from the concerned zones, accompanied them during the inspection.Khirwar reviewed sanitation and civic arrangements and directed officials to coordinate closely on cleanliness and other essential services.Officials were asked to carry out intensive cleaning and maintenance along summit routes, venues, adjoining areas, markets, roads, footpaths, green belts and other sensitive locations.

Officials inspect key routes

The inspection also covered movement corridors in southeast Delhi, including Sarai Kale Khan, Lodhi Road and Nizamuddin, as well as Saket and Sheikh Sarai in south Delhi.Authorities were directed to deploy sufficient sanitation workers, machinery and supervisory staff during the final stage of preparations.

Khirwar also called for visible improvements in enforcement, animal control, vector control, beautification, lighting and branding at identified locations.India is taking over the Brics chairship for the fourth time in 2026. The chairship is being guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a stated focus on a people-centric and humanity-first approach.