Russia and Iran have stepped up their criticism of the United States and Western powers over sanctions and what they described as acts of aggression, placing India in a delicate position as it seeks to ensure the BRICS summit does not evolve into an overtly anti-Western platform.
Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country had endured extensive sanctions for years, but warned that the pressure had entered a more dangerous phase following what he called military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran.
“Iran has faced extensive sanctions over the past years. However, in recent months, these pressures have entered a far more dangerous phase as a result of the military act of aggression of US and the Israelis against Iran,” Pezeshkian said.
He said the experience had demonstrated that economic security could not be separated from national and regional security. “Whenever the trade, energy infrastructure or the financial system of a country comes under political or military pressure, its effects extend beyond the country’s borders and can affect regional or even global stability,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, accused what he described as the “old leaders” of resorting to every possible measure to regain their former global dominance.
“They go so far as to employ instruments of direct physical force, including the destruction of industrial and logistical infrastructure,” Putin said. He also accused Western powers of attempting to obstruct international transport corridors, seize vessels and impose what he called illegal restrictions, including threats of secondary sanctions against countries unwilling to follow the interests of others.
The remarks highlighted the diplomatic challenge facing India, which will have to balance the sharply critical positions of Russia and Iran with its own policy of flexible multi-alignment.
Washington is expected to closely monitor the BRICS deliberations, particularly as Russia and Iran intensify their criticism of Western sanctions and China advocates initiatives such as de-dollarisation and the development of cross-border payment mechanisms that could offer an alternative to the Western-controlled SWIFT system. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his opposition to BRICS.
Putin also called for greater investment cooperation within the grouping, particularly in trade, infrastructure and technology. He said Russia was prepared to work with its partners to strengthen global energy and food security while developing reliable international transport routes, including the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Pezeshkian said Iran, with its substantial energy resources and strategically important geographical location, was ready to become a key partner in BRICS supply chains.
“Food and energy security are two fundamental pillars of economic security, and Iran, with its vast energy reserves and outstanding geographical position, is prepared to play the role of a strategic partner in BRICS food, energy and transport supply chains,” he said.
