Russia Insists BRICS Will Remain Economic, Not Military, Alliance

(MENAFN) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Saturday dismissed claims that the BRICS economic group intends to evolve into a military alliance.

In remarks reported by news outlets, Ryabkov emphasized that BRICS is neither a military pact nor a collective security organization with obligations for joint defense.

“It was never conceived in that spirit, and there are no plans to transform BRICS in that direction,” he said, noting that the 11-member bloc does not engage in military exercises or arms control initiatives.

Ryabkov also rejected suggestions that a recent naval exercise in South Africa constituted a BRICS event, clarifying that participating countries acted independently. He was referring to the “Will for Peace 2026” drills held January 9–16, which involved China, Iran, and Russia.

When asked if BRICS could provide protection for member tankers against attacks, Ryabkov said the bloc’s role is limited to improving logistics and mitigating sanctions risks, stressing that security must be “ensured by other means.”

Formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, BRICS later expanded to 11 members, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, alongside 10 partner countries.

Ryabkov highlighted that trade growth among BRICS nations significantly surpasses the global average, describing it as “an indication that BRICS, without being some kind of 'magic wand,’ can actually help solve problems.”

He added that BRICS can demonstrate solidarity with Iran, with Moscow and Beijing engaging to create “the appropriate political environment” for Tehran’s negotiations with Washington.

According to him, the focus is currently “on the negotiations Iran is conducting with its partners, on the work Iran is doing indirectly — primarily through Arab intermediaries — with the Americans,” which he expects to continue.

MENAFN14022026000045017281ID1110741415