Russia and Iran Criticize US Sanctions at BRICS

New Delhi : On Friday, Russia and Iran criticized the sanctions and aggressive actions imposed by the US and other Western nations. They urged BRICS to formulate strategies that would enable the group to better withstand such challenges and pressures. In this context, ensuring that the meeting does not transform into an anti-Western platform poses a significant challenge for India.

Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “Iran has faced various sanctions over the past few years, but in recent months, the military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran has pushed this pressure into a far more dangerous phase. This has not only caused physical damage but also highlighted a crucial truth: economic security cannot be separated from national and regional security.”

He added, “Whenever a country’s trade, energy infrastructure, or financial system comes under political or military pressure, the impact extends beyond its borders, potentially affecting regional or global stability.”

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized leaders who are resorting to every possible method to regain their former dominance.

He stated, “They go as far as directly using physical force. This includes the destruction of industrial and logistical infrastructure. Attempts are being made to block international transport corridors and seize maritime vessels. Furthermore, illegal sanctions—accompanied by threats of so-called ‘secondary sanctions’—are being imposed on those who seek to protect their own national interests rather than the interests of others.”

These speeches offered a glimpse into the challenges facing India. India must strike a balance between navigating hostility and maintaining its policy of flexible multi-alignment (maintaining flexible relationships with multiple nations).

India is aware that the Trump administration will closely monitor BRICS deliberations, given that Russia and Iran are aggrieved by sanctions, and China is keen to advance initiatives like de-dollarization and cross-border payment systems that could challenge the Western-controlled SWIFT network. US President Donald Trump has never concealed his opposition to BRICS.

Putin called for an investment platform dedicated to trade, infrastructure, and technology projects. He stated, “We are prepared to collaborate with our partners to contribute to global energy and food security and to jointly shape reliable global routes, such as the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and the North-South International Corridor.”

Pezeshkian remarked, “Food and energy security are the two main pillars of economic security. Thanks to its vast energy reserves and prime geographical location, Iran is poised to play the role of a strategic partner in BRICS’ food, energy, and transport supply chains.”

He advocated for boosting trade in local currencies, establishing a reinsurance pool with an initial capital of $10 billion, and securing infrastructure funding through the New Development Bank. Putin also endorsed the NDB and emphasized utilizing it to create a new investment platform.

Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)