Putin Criticizes G7 and Praises BRICS Economic Growth During New Delhi Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Western rivals and the G7 during a visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Putin stated that BRICS nations have contributed over 40 percent of the world GDP over the last five years, while the G7 accounted for 29 percent. He further claimed that BRICS nations were responsible for more than half of global growth in that period, compared to 18 percent from the G7. Putin attributed this growth to the large populations and vibrant domestic markets of BRICS countries, highlighting companies such as India's Mahindra, China's Huawei, Brazil's Embraer, the UAE's DPO, and Russia's Rosatom.

Putin also accused Western competitors of attempting to recover their former leadership in an improper manner. He specifically cited the destruction of gas pipelines and facilities, as well as the seizure of vessels, as methods used by European countries to maintain economic primacy. He emphasized that business to business ties and economic partnerships serve as the backbone of international economic relations during a period of profound structural shifts in the world.

On the sidelines of the summit, Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders discussed cooperation in defense, civil nuclear energy, fertilizers, critical minerals, manufacturing, railways, and steel. This meeting follows a previous encounter in August where Modi stated that the war in Ukraine must end for the sake of humanity. India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, with Russian crude reaching 51 percent of Indian imports in July 2026, as New Delhi maintains that its energy security needs necessitate reliable and affordable supplies.