Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov denied on Saturday that the BRICS economic bloc intends to transform into a military alliance, emphasizing the group’s strictly economic focus.
Speaking to state news agency TASS, he said BRICS has no collective security obligations or mutual military assistance agreements, and there are no plans to develop them. Ryabkov highlighted that the bloc does not conduct military exercises or arms control operations.
Ryabkov clarified that a recent naval exercise in South Africa, dubbed “Will for Peace 2026,” was not a BRICS event. China, Iran, and Russia participated in the drills in their national capacity, he said, stressing the bloc’s activities remain non-military. Asked whether BRICS could protect members’ tankers from attacks, Ryabkov responded that the group’s focus is on improving logistics and shielding members from sanctions, while security must be ensured through other means.
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BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran later joined, expanding the group to 11 members and 10 partner countries. Ryabkov said trade growth among BRICS members exceeds the global average, demonstrating that the bloc can solve economic challenges without military intervention.
The deputy minister also commented on Iran, saying BRICS can express solidarity and assist in creating a political environment for negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He noted that indirect talks, mediated primarily by Arab intermediaries, remain the focus, especially on Iran’s nuclear program. Ryabkov indicated that Moscow and Beijing maintain close contact with Iran to support these diplomatic efforts.
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Ryabkov’s remarks come amid heightened US-Iran tensions, with Washington increasing its military presence in the region. President Donald Trump recently warned Iran to reach a deal or risk action, while negotiations continue over uranium enrichment and other nuclear-related issues. Despite regional security concerns, Russia insists BRICS is strictly an economic and diplomatic platform, not a defense alliance.