Putin says Russia ready to support global energy, food security at BRICS forum

Russia is ready to contribute to global energy and food security, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, while highlighting the strong domestic markets of BRICS countries and calling for greater cooperation in trade, industry and technology.

Addressing the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin said the world was going through “structural, deep, and profound shifts” and stressed the need for closer cooperation among BRICS partners.

“Together with our partners, we stand ready to contribute to world energy and food security,” Putin said, highlighting efforts to build reliable logistics routes such as the Arctic Transport Corridor and the North-South Transport Corridor.

He said Russia was also open to promising initiatives in tourism, industry and trade.

Putin said Moscow intended to strengthen cooperation in personnel training and applied research in areas including smart technologies and unmanned transport.

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the continuing crisis in West Asia, Putin also criticised what he described as increasingly aggressive forms of international competition.

“Sometimes competition takes ugly forms,” he said, adding that such practices could be seen even at the state and government levels, including measures of a “physical nature”.

Putin also criticised Western sanctions, without directly naming the United States or any other country.

The Russian president's remarks came during his three-day visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit. His visit is also expected to include discussions on strengthening India-Russia economic, energy and defence cooperation.