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Denis Alipov
The proposal for expansion of BRICS received “principled support” at the 14th BRICS summit that was hosted by China during June 23-24, said Russia’s ambassador to India Denis Alipov.
Speaking to the Russian government news outlet Sputnik , Mr. Alipov reiterated that the decision to expand the grouping would be undertaken after extensive discussion among members, and that Russia understands India wants to “preserve strategic autonomy” and interact with major western powers rejecting bloc formation.
“It must be remembered that haste might be counterproductive. It is necessary to think in detail about the principles, standards and procedures of such a process, which should be developed through talks and by consensus,” said Mr. Alipov about the expansion of BRICS, that may even consider Pakistan for a future membership. He cited the opinion of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and said, “expansion of BRICS is justified and timely”.
During the latest BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping criticised the western trend of building alliances that he described as “small yard with high fences”. In keeping with that vision, China invited 13 countries — Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Malaysia, and Thailand — to the summit as guests. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has hinted at India’s objection and alleged that China wanted to invite representatives from Islamabad, but “one member country” did not allow to happen.
Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian forces, in what Russia describes as a “special military operation,” India and China have disregarded western objections and emerged as major buyers of Ural crude which has been made available at a discount. Mr. Alipov said that BRICS perceive global developments from a different perspective and said, “The important thing is that the five countries send a powerful message that they share a common understanding of global processes. A shared negative attitude towards the distorting effects of any discriminatory measures in international trade was demonstrated”.
