Not Anti-West, But Pro-Global South: The Real BRICS Agenda Explained

[00:00:00]Today, we will have a day of intense discussions of where BRICS BRICS is going. We'll go along main thematic areas, priority areas of the Indian presidency. Uh, which will allow us to make another step towards joint recommendations that we're preparing together with within the BTTC council. Uh, to present to our leaders and we are thankful to His Excellency Pal Knesev and His Excellency Nikolay Shiryaev.

[00:00:34]Uh, and ministers [laughter] of foreign affairs as such for helping us, for supporting us throughout this journey and we feel our relevance because we know that as BTTC we've done quite a number of ideas that seemed unthinkable at the moment that we brought them about, but then they made to leaders and uh, we're put to practice which is a always um, a good feeling for the people who actually understand that they don't work for uh, for nothing. [laughter] Um, so today uh, I'm really looking forward to not just general words from issue view.

[00:01:21]I'm looking forward to both problematic areas which need to be outlined, but also areas where we did we did make progress and where we need to make even bigger progress.

[00:01:35]Because uh, we're not meeting just for nothing.

[00:01:39]We're meeting to make BRICS move.

[00:01:43]To make BRICS grow.

[00:01:47]Uh, makes BRICS matter.

[00:01:50]As it matters now because it acquired importance that it didn't have that it seemed not to have and that many of their outsiders hoped it would never have.

[00:02:03]Uh, but here we are and I think we are not just one of the most important platforms of the global south or global majority as we say here in Russia.

[00:02:14]Um, but I think we are the only international platform that is able to make uh, difference and to to to offer a reform of the global governance that is much needed.

[00:02:28]I don't think that any other grouping has authority similar to what BRICS has in order to offer those changes because they would be difficult obviously.

[00:02:39]Uh, they would need to meet their um, demands of all sides. We're not against the West. We always uh, uh, underline this and I'm saying this again.

[00:02:52]So, we're interested in making a headway which would be um, making progress for all.

[00:03:02]Not for a narrow group, but for the whole world. And this is what the BRICS is about.

[00:03:08]And uh, that said, without further ado, I would ask uh, Nandan Unnikrishnan, distinguished fellow of Observer Research Foundation, uh, and Alize here, but also the person who's been here we were remembering uh, in 2008.

[00:03:25]Uh, there were just a few people who's here who were here at the very first meeting of the what what will become BRICS later on and uh, who watched with us and not only watched, but made history with the development of BRICS.

[00:03:41]Nandan, please the floor is yours now.

[00:03:44]>> Thank you, Victoria.

[00:03:46]Uh, thank you for reminding everyone that I'm closer to the dinosaurs than to those sitting here, but nevertheless uh Ambassador Knyazev, Your Excellency, Ambassador Giri, uh it is indeed a pleasure to be here in Moscow.

[00:04:06]As Victoria said, such lovely weather.

[00:04:10]And to discuss uh this uh uh event that we are organizing under the uh Indian presidency of BRICS.

[00:04:24]The theme for uh the Indian presidency of BRICS is building for reliance, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

[00:04:34]And uh while we are organizing this event, one of the things that we are really looking at, and I will emphasize what uh um Victoria said, we're looking at not just an intensive uh discussion, although it's implied in that word, but we're also looking for a candid discussion.

[00:04:54]We are looking for an honest presentation of views because uh amongst BRICS, if we are to arrive at some kind of common platform, we need to be clear that there are no unsaid things, there are no uh misunderstandings amongst us that could turn out to be underwater stones later on in our journey towards uh the world that we want to build.

[00:05:24]Uh the emphasis of uh uh this particular interaction will be probably uh not probably, will be on connectivity.

[00:05:36]And I would like to just point out that uh and this has been uh said by India for many, many years and re-emphasizing that connectivity is really not about economics alone.

[00:05:53]Connectivity has a very very strong geopolitical component.

[00:05:58]There is an element of competition, of course, but the point is that connectivity provides, particularly countries of the global south, accessibility to connectivity to other countries.

[00:06:12]Uh provides for a certain element of strategic autonomy in decision-making.

[00:06:17]And therefore, we in India, for all for one, have always advocated that connectivity projects should be multilateral efforts.

[00:06:27]And one of the examples I'll give you is the North-South Corridor, which has more than 14 signatories in it from different countries looking to build a future together.

[00:06:40]Of course, this question of connectivity, one of the main reasons that has come up is we witnessed in uh recent months the unfortunate events in West Asia, what we in India call West Asia, uh what is called the Near East in Russia, and the Middle East by the Western countries.

[00:07:00]Uh there was a great disruption to the global economy because of the disruption and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

[00:07:09]Uh We have realized today that disruptions of supply chains anywhere in the world, because of the globalized economy, tends to have an impact in the most unlikely of places.

[00:07:28]We as Indians are particularly sensitive to it, because we have a huge economic job of lifting a large number of people above the poverty line. And any economic upheavals, partic- particularly those that affect commodities and prices are have very painful effects for India. So, we would like to have discussions on how to build resilient supply chains, dependable supply chains.

[00:07:55]Uh And of course, this discussion has to take place in BRICS because BRICS today uh bridges in a sense the most prolific production centers and the most prolific consumer markets. So, this is one of the things that we have to discuss and see where these complementarities are.

[00:08:19]Particularly, we have to uh look at, in my opinion, we have to look at the effects of climate change and how this affects the global south because we are particularly vulnerable to it. And uh the discussion in BRICS could bring us significantly closer to uh solutions. And I don't want to exceed my time. So, I hope that this conference uh is candid, is intensive, and stays as a testament of cooperation that will help build resilience, innovation, and ensure a sustainable future. Thank you very much.

[00:09:01]>> Um [clears throat and snorts] dear colleagues, um for me it's a great honor to be delivering a greeting address on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Sherpa for BRICS, uh to the participants and and organizers of this important academic event, the conference dedicated to the uh very uh current topic of strengthening BRICS connectivity, fostering cooperation.

[00:09:35]The Institute of World Economy International Relations of the Russian Academy of Science, the BRICS Expert Council, Russia, and the Observer Research Foundation of India have proven themselves as reputable think tanks whose expertise is highly sought after by those who deal with BRICS, uh the global south, and the world affairs as a whole.

[00:10:00]Uh your ideas and projects significantly enrich the strategic partnership between BRICS countries.

[00:10:07]20 years since the creation of BRICS, as already mentioned today here, uh our grouping has achieved impressive results, having considerably expanded its membership and the architecture of cooperation. It is gradually becoming the world's economic powerhouse, as noted by President Putin at the St. Petersburg uh International Economic Forum this June. Almost half of annual growth of the global GDP over the last 5 years were [snorts] accounted by BRICS countries. As early as in 2020, they surpassed the G20 G7 by the volume of GDP measured by in purchasing power parity terms, and the gap has continued to widen ever since. In 2025, almost a quarter of global exports came from BRICS countries, and if we speak of high-tech products, uh the share is even greater. It is over a third of all supplies in the world.

[00:11:12]Our grouping is turning into the center of gravity for the countries of global south and the east, where the aspiring of which are aspiring to be part of a more fair multipolar world.

[00:11:26]They see BRICS as an engine for the transformation of the existing system of global governance, which could ensure that the ambitions of the world majority are adequately reflected in the process of strengthening and reforming the UN, its Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization. What also makes BRICS so relevant, it is its clear principles of cooperation, which include mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, sovereign equality, the culture of consensus, and the common desire to promote a constructive agenda.

[00:12:06]These principles and the overall atmosphere of openness have always positively distinguished BRICS from the neo-colonial attitude of the collective West, which tries to resolve its problems >> [snorts] >> at the expense of others and uses the divide and conquer strategy so often.

[00:12:24]Having said that, I must also emphasize, as already mentioned today here, that BRICS is definitely not an anti-Western structure. It tries to benefit not only its member states, but the entire world as a whole global majority, and it remains open for engagement with all the international actors on the basis [snorts] of equality and sovereignty.

[00:12:50]Amid the growing global turbulence, the expectations placed on BRICS are growing higher and higher. Indeed, being accurately aware of the current global processes, the members of the grouping are set on intensifying their collective efforts to implement practical projects aimed at ensuring sustainable economic development and obtaining better living standards for all of us. In this regard, it is essential to continue moving forward towards the establishment of financial and trade mechanisms which would be resilient to external risks, such as BRICS cross-border payments initiative, BRICS reinsurance facility, new investment platforms, and BRICS foreign exchange.

[00:13:33]In this regard, I would like to reiterate Russia's full support of the Indian chairmanship and its people-centric approach, which is consistent with the traditional spirit of cooperation within BRICS. As [snorts] we cross the equator on this year's chairmanship calendar, we should applaud the professionalism of our uh Indian friends who have already successfully hosted over 130 events, including the meetings of national security advisors, ministers [snorts] of foreign affairs, justice, health, energy, and agriculture.

[00:14:05]We are sure that that this year's BRICS summit in September will bring a broad range of tangible deliverables.

[00:14:14]Although uh BRICS is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary this September, it's still a very young and steadily growing mechanism with very ambitious goals. And this is a living and constantly changing entity, which brings together different countries with a unique civilizations, diverse economic and political systems.

[00:14:35]Uh allow me to conclude my welcoming remarks by wishing you uh interesting and captivating discussions, which will without doubt bring new interesting and useful ideas for those who deal uh with BRICS affairs on a professional basis, like we do with Nickolay.

[00:14:55]>> [laughter] >> Thank [snorts] you very much.

[00:14:57]>> Thank you, sir.

[00:15:00]Thank you so much, uh Mr. Geary.

[00:15:03]>> Namaskar. Good morning. Dobro utro.

[00:15:07]Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by thanking the Observer Research Foundation and BRICS Expert Council, Russia, for hosting this very important conference on the theme strengthening BRICS connectivity, fostering cooperation.

[00:15:25]I would also like to offer my respects to Ambassador Knyazev, Russia's BRICS Sherpa, Professor Victoria Victoria Panova and Mr. Nandan Unnikrishnan from ORF for joining us today.

[00:15:39]And of course, I would also like to record my sincere appreciation to our very wonderful hosts um today, uh the IMEMO. Uh in fact, I was talking to my colleague that uh you know, I have been thinking of visiting this university for quite a while now and I have been here uh for over a year and a half and um it's a pity that I have not um been uh able to visit.

[00:16:02]So, I'm I'm uh thankful to the organizers of this event for bringing this uh to this university, uh which gave me an opportunity to at least come here.

[00:16:12]Um BRICS plays a pivotal role in the contemporary international agenda and India has assumed the BRICS chairmanship uh in 2026 for the fourth time, as we know, and at an important moment in the grouping's journey.

[00:16:26]This year also marks the 20 years since the establishment of BRICS, during which it has steadily evolved into a significant platform for cooperation among uh emerging markets and developing economies.

[00:16:39]The evolving multipolar order necessitates further cooperation through this platform, especially as the present global environment remains affected by interconnected challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, complicated economic landscapes, climate-related risks, rapid technological change, and persistent development gaps.

[00:17:01]We are all experiencing a world under increasing churn. Long-standing assumptions about the very nature of international relations are under question.

[00:17:10]Technologies, capabilities, and resources are therefore now assets aimed to be deployed for strategic gains. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data and critical minerals are no longer viewed only as drivers of growth, but they are also instruments of national power.

[00:17:29]The challenges of COVID, conflicts and climate change have also brought into focus the fragility of supply chains and the imperatives of food, health and energy security.

[00:17:42]Dear friends, in this evolving geopolitical order India's BRICS chairmanship is guided by the vision to advance the forum with a people-centric approach.

[00:17:52]Our chairmanship theme, building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, >> [snorts] >> reflects our belief that cooperation among BRICS members can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner. In a sense, the chairmanship theme resonates very closely with the with the theme that we have chosen for this seminar, which is uh about building connectivity and building connectivity in its broadest dimension, covering physical, financial, structural, institutional, digital, uh people-to-people and also connectivity between institutions and people.

[00:18:31]Under the resilience pillar, therefore, we will endeavor to build structural institutional strengths of strengths capable of weathering global shocks. Innovation remains a key driver of global economic development. The deployment of new and emerging technologies is essential to address socio-economic challenges, particularly those confronting developing countries while maintaining a people-centric approach. And here the key is to ensure, therefore, that the people in the global south have access to the new and emerging technologies.

[00:19:05]People-to-people exchanges will remain an essential component of our chairmanship with continued emphasis on youth, culture, education, and sports, tourism, and academic institutions, India attaches equal importance to cooperation and sustainability, and will work to advance climate action, promote clean energy, and support inclusive sustainable development pathways in a manner that is fair and sensitive to national circumstances.

[00:19:32]At a time when the world is also navigating multiple complex challenges, the call for a reinvigorated, inclusive, and effective multilateral order has never been more urgent. BRICS must commit to a reformed multilateralism that reflects contemporary realities, one where the institutions like the UN, the World Trade Organization, IMF, and World Bank are representative and inclusive.

[00:19:59]The world had changed, and BRICS also must move on. Move beyond being a forum for discussion, and become a platform for delivery.

[00:20:07]Our relevance will depend on outcomes, and not just on intent. The more we connect with our societies and their aspirations, the greater will be the value of BRICS.

[00:20:18]India reaffirms its commitment to strengthening BRICS in line with the principles of mutual understanding, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, full consultation, and consensus.

[00:20:31]The independence and diversity of BRICS is its real strength.

[00:20:35]We are perceived globally as a force seeking change and reform.

[00:20:39]We are the very embodiment of multipolarity in a world that is focused on de-risking and diversifying. We offer more options.

[00:20:48]Our approach to international relations in is one based on mutual respect and sovereign equality.

[00:20:56]Excellencies, distinguished friends, India views BRICS as a constructive platform for dialogue and development.

[00:21:03]Our chairmanship will remain guided by the principles of continuity, consolidation, and consensus while remaining responsiveness uh while remaining responsive to emerging global developments and the evolving priorities.

[00:21:17]President Vladimir Putin, during his visit to India for the 23rd annual summit in December last year, affirmed Russia's support to India's BRICS chairmanship. India and Russia, in line with our special and privileged strategic partnership, closely cooperate with cooperate within BRICS to ensure that the organization remains inclusive, practical, people-centric, and outcome-oriented.

[00:21:40]India looks forward to Russia's active participation.

[00:21:44]Uh so, also uh the participation of uh all the BRICS members and partner countries um and their valuable contribution in the upcoming BRICS meetings under uh India's chairmanship.

[00:21:57]Thank you for your kind attention.

[00:21:58]Spasiba.

[00:22:04]>> Uh thank you so much, Mr. Geary. Uh once again, I'd like to reiterate that it's uh great honor and help for us that we always supported by our official track, because uh without the direct communication between track one and track two, uh it wouldn't matter that much. It wouldn't have such a relevance. And um indeed, it is very important what Ambassador Knyazev has uh mentioned that BRICS has also grown considerably and much beyond the initial expectations.

[00:22:41]As we remember, uh even rather um alarmic alarmist um forecasts that were given by um Jim O'Neill and his team, um I think it was in 2009. Not the first one with on the brick, but uh the 2009 one when they said all the brick the initial four members are bound to surpass by GDP in 2032.

[00:23:14]Meanwhile, even before the expansion, we've done so 2 years ago. We We've surpassed the G7 cumulative GDP back then and we continue to grow and with the expanded uh and rising voice of the global south, it's uh getting more and more and uh it's simply not possible for the other side not to listen to us.