Russian President Vladimir Putin took a swipe at the Group of Seven on Friday, contrasting its declining share of the global economy with BRICS’ growing economic weight.
Addressing the BRICS Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Putin said G7 countries accounted for about 18% of global economic output, compared with nearly 40% for BRICS members.
“I don’t know why they call them that,” Putin remarked, questioning the grouping’s continued relevance.
Russia was a member of what was then the G8 until it was expelled following its annexation of Crimea in 2014. The grouping subsequently reverted to the G7.
Putin described BRICS as the world’s largest economic bloc and said its members were gaining strength and influence as the global order changed.
Highlighting India’s growing contribution to the global economy, Putin said the world was undergoing a major economic shift. He added that BRICS remained open to cooperation with countries outside the grouping.
The Russian president also accused Western countries of trying to weaken Russia through what he called unfair sanctions.
He said Russia had maintained its economic performance despite the restrictions and stressed the need for greater cooperation among BRICS members as the global economic order evolves.
Source:- indiatoday
