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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Western countries are trying to regain their former global leadership “by any means necessary,” accusing them of using sanctions, transport restrictions and attacks on infrastructure amid growing international competition.
Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin said competition had reached what he described as “unsavory” levels.
“We have constantly been told that competition is a ‘sacred cow’ — something that must not be touched at all. Unfortunately, however, our Western competitors are currently trying to regain their former leadership by any means necessary,” Putin said.
He accused Western countries of taking measures that include the destruction of industrial and logistics facilities and pipelines, attempts to block international transport corridors and the seizure of maritime vessels.
Putin also criticized sanctions and threats of secondary restrictions against countries or companies that, in his words, defend their own national interests.
Putin pointed to the economic position of BRICS, saying its members account for 40% of global gross domestic product, compared with 29% for the Group of Seven.
“I don’t understand why the G7 is called ‘big,’” Putin said.
He also said BRICS countries had generated nearly half of global economic growth during the same period, while the G7 accounted for 18%.
Putin said more than 30,000 sanctions had been imposed on Russia, which he described as almost twice as many as those imposed on all other countries combined.
“We have strengthened our national sovereignty and are developing ties with reliable, predictable partners,” he said.
Putin said BRICS should make greater use of its capabilities and remain open to cooperation with all countries and partners.
He arrived in India earlier Friday for a three-day visit and is scheduled to attend the 18th BRICS summit on Saturday and Sunday.
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