Russia and Iran condemn US sanctions, urge BRICS resilience ahead of summit

During the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said that heightened US and Israeli military actions have pushed sanctions into a more dangerous phase, stressing that economic security cannot be separated from national and regional stability. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced "old leaders" for employing physical force, targeting industrial infrastructure and imposing secondary sanctions to force compliance with Western interests.

Both leaders called on the BRICS grouping to devise strategies that increase its resilience against such pressures. India, as the summit host, must navigate these accusations while maintaining its policy of flexible multi-alignment. Putin also highlighted investment needs for trade, infrastructure and technology projects, and suggested new transport corridors such as the Trans-Arctic and North-South International Corridors. Pezeshkian pledged Iran’s participation in BRICS food, energy and transport supply chains, citing its vast reserves and strategic location.