Putin slams West’s ‘ugly’ tactics at BRICS forum in New Delhi

World leaders convened in New Delhi on Friday for the BRICS Business Forum, the flagship private-sector event of India's 2026 BRICS presidency, as the expanded bloc seeks to project economic unity ahead of the 18th Leaders' Summit on Saturday and Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those who addressed the forum, which brought together business leaders, ministers, and heads of state to discuss trade, investment, and development across the 11-member grouping.aninews+1

Putin and Modi Trade GDP Barbs at G7

Putin used the platform to draw a pointed comparison between BRICS and the G7, saying BRICS economies have accounted for more than 40% of world GDP over the past five years, compared to 29% for the Group of Seven. "I don't know why they call that the Group of Seven," Putin said, according to NDTV. He added that BRICS countries contributed more than half of global economic growth in that period, against 18% from the G7.economictimes+2

Putin accused Western nations of resorting to "ugly" tactics to reclaim economic dominance, alleging attacks on pipelines and the imposition of secondary sanctions on countries pursuing independent policies. He said Russia alone faces more than 30,000 sanctions — "over double the number imposed on every other country in the world combined."economictimes

Modi, delivering the concluding address, said BRICS nations now represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. He noted that the combined GDP of BRICS members has expanded nearly 4.5 times in recent years, roughly twice the pace of the rest of the world. "Today, while trade barriers are rising globally, India is building economic bridges," Modi said, citing free trade agreements India has signed with nearly 40 countries since 2014.ndtv+1

Wars and Rivalries Test Bloc's Cohesion

The forum opened against a backdrop of tensions that threaten to complicate the summit. The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has divided BRICS members, with Tehran and Abu Dhabi on opposing sides, and BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement when they met in New Delhi in May. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that differences between the UAE and Iran had a "negative impact" on the drafting of a joint declaration.themoscowtimes+2

Putin and Modi also held bilateral talks on Friday, reviewing cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and space. Modi reiterated that "dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts," according to India's Ministry of External Affairs. Putin invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, and Modi accepted.ndtv

Summit Stakes High for India

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told the forum that BRICS exports had risen from roughly $900 billion in 2003 to $6 trillion in 2024, with the bloc's share of global exports nearly doubling to about 24%. The grouping has grown from four founding members in 2006 to 21 member and partner countries.moneycontrol+1

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet Modi on Saturday in what would be his first visit to India since 2019, marking a cautious thaw between the rival neighbors after a deadly military clash along their disputed Himalayan border six years ago. Whether the leaders can agree on a consensus declaration — considered a test of India's diplomatic stewardship — remains the summit's central question.thedailystar