MINSK, 16 December (BelTA) - BRICS has entered the second stage of expansion, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Russia's BRICS Sherpa Sergey Ryabkov in an interview published on the website of the PIR Center.
“We have now entered, I believe, the second stage of expansion. I will not speculate here about when, who, and in what capacity will move towards further rapprochement with BRICS.
Opportunities exist for this, including through the creation of a category of partner states. BRICS already has quite a few of these - countries that have recently achieved this status," he said.
Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that the group is based on the principles of equality, openness, and mutual respect. According to him, the strength of BRICS lies in the fact that decisions, which are made by consensus, ultimately serve a unifying purpose.
On the West's reaction to BRICS
Commenting on the increased statements from Western countries that BRICS is allegedly “aimed against them”, Sergey Ryabkov noted that the attention of opponents to BRICS is natural and understandable.
“The group has transformed into a real force that cannot be ignored. It has become an integral component of the new, changing landscape of world order. However, Western counterparts are accustomed to thinking strictly within their own paradigm, the logic of bloc thinking, which boils down to the formula: 'if you're not with us, you're against us'... Hence the suspicion, hence the desire to find ways to weaken BRICS, to hinder its further development. Everyone understands this,” he said.
According to him, there is no hidden agenda within BRICS. “Therefore, the accusations leveled against BRICS are merely a reflection of a policy aimed at weakening geopolitical competitors. This will continue. We will stand against it,” he believes.
On cooperation with other countries
Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that the group is based on the principles of equality, openness, and mutual respect. According to him, the strength of BRICS lies in the fact that decisions, which are made by consensus, ultimately serve a unifying purpose.
On the West's reaction to BRICS
Commenting on the increased statements from Western countries that BRICS is allegedly “aimed against them”, Sergey Ryabkov noted that the attention of opponents to BRICS is natural and understandable.
“The group has transformed into a real force that cannot be ignored. It has become an integral component of the new, changing landscape of world order. However, Western counterparts are accustomed to thinking strictly within their own paradigm, the logic of bloc thinking, which boils down to the formula: 'if you're not with us, you're against us'... Hence the suspicion, hence the desire to find ways to weaken BRICS, to hinder its further development. Everyone understands this,” he said.
According to him, there is no hidden agenda within BRICS. “Therefore, the accusations leveled against BRICS are merely a reflection of a policy aimed at weakening geopolitical competitors. This will continue. We will stand against it,” he believes.
On cooperation with other countries
The Russian deputy foreign minister noted that the desire to engage with BRICS remains significant, and countries that respect themselves, along with politicians who prioritize national interests, are making a conscious choice in favor of rapprochement with the group.
“In fact, BRICS shares an understanding that its doors should remain open for cooperation with countries of the Global South and East that share its values. Interest in BRICS continues to grow... I believe that BRICS will continue to serve as one of the locomotives driving positive global transformation. The potential here is great, and it is only just beginning to be realized," he believes.
Sergey Ryabkov added that BRICS is actively working to involve partners in various ministerial and expert cooperation mechanisms. In his view, their participation benefits the association itself, enhancing its potential.
BRICS and AI
Sergey Ryabkov specifically highlighted the joint work of BRICS countries in the field of artificial intelligence. According to him, a major achievement this year was the adoption of the leaders' declaration on global AI governance at the summit in Rio de Janeiro.
He emphasized that BRICS countries proceed from the understanding that cooperation in this area should aim to reduce potential risks, build capacity, and bridge the growing digital divide, both within and between nations.
“We believe that collective efforts are precisely what is needed to create a global system for governing artificial intelligence, one that would help uphold our shared values. At the same time, BRICS clearly advocates for a coordinating role for the United Nations in these processes,” he said, clarifying that common BRICS standards in the field of AI have not yet been fully defined.
Expectations for India's BRICS chairmanship in 2026
“Our Indian friends have traditionally shown great interest and paid significant attention to working within the BRICS format. This has always been the case: India is among the founders of the group. Now, as BRICS has expanded, it is a ship that, I am confident, the Indian captain will steer on a stable, firm course next year towards further deepening cooperation,” Sergey Ryabkov shared his perspective.
He expressed confidence that under India's chairmanship, interaction within BRICS and with partner states will see significant progress, and India will add more momentum and suggest more initiatives to each area of cooperation.
“In fact, BRICS shares an understanding that its doors should remain open for cooperation with countries of the Global South and East that share its values. Interest in BRICS continues to grow... I believe that BRICS will continue to serve as one of the locomotives driving positive global transformation. The potential here is great, and it is only just beginning to be realized," he believes.
Sergey Ryabkov added that BRICS is actively working to involve partners in various ministerial and expert cooperation mechanisms. In his view, their participation benefits the association itself, enhancing its potential.
BRICS and AI
Sergey Ryabkov specifically highlighted the joint work of BRICS countries in the field of artificial intelligence. According to him, a major achievement this year was the adoption of the leaders' declaration on global AI governance at the summit in Rio de Janeiro.
He emphasized that BRICS countries proceed from the understanding that cooperation in this area should aim to reduce potential risks, build capacity, and bridge the growing digital divide, both within and between nations.
“We believe that collective efforts are precisely what is needed to create a global system for governing artificial intelligence, one that would help uphold our shared values. At the same time, BRICS clearly advocates for a coordinating role for the United Nations in these processes,” he said, clarifying that common BRICS standards in the field of AI have not yet been fully defined.
Expectations for India's BRICS chairmanship in 2026
“Our Indian friends have traditionally shown great interest and paid significant attention to working within the BRICS format. This has always been the case: India is among the founders of the group. Now, as BRICS has expanded, it is a ship that, I am confident, the Indian captain will steer on a stable, firm course next year towards further deepening cooperation,” Sergey Ryabkov shared his perspective.
He expressed confidence that under India's chairmanship, interaction within BRICS and with partner states will see significant progress, and India will add more momentum and suggest more initiatives to each area of cooperation.
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