Russia quells speculation about BRICS becoming a NATO-like military alliance, saying it is an economic forum, not a military bloc.

 New Delhi: Russia has clarified its stance on the emerging global grouping (BRICS) amid ongoing debate about whether it could create a defense structure modeled after the Western military alliance (NATO). Moscow has stated that BRICS’s aim is not to become a military alliance, but to strengthen economic and diplomatic cooperation.

Russia dismissed the speculation.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview that there are no plans to turn BRICS into a military bloc. Speaking to the Russian news agency TASS, he clarified that the group is neither a collective security arrangement nor a framework for sharing defense responsibilities among member states.

According to him, “BRICS was never designed from a military perspective and there is no question of taking it in that direction in the future either.”

Military exercises not under BRICS

Russia also clarified questions about the multinational naval exercise Will for Peace 2026, which was held in the waters off South Africa in January 2026. This exercise, which involved China, Iran, and Russia, was held near South Africa.

Ryabkov said that the drill was not conducted under the banner of BRICS, but rather the participating countries took part in their own national capacities. Therefore, it is wrong to view it as a collective military activity of BRICS.

Focus on economic cooperation, not military security

Regarding the potential role of BRICS on issues such as oil tankers or maritime security, Russia acknowledged that the grouping does not have the structure or capability to provide any military security.
BRICS’ primary focus is economic coordination, strengthening trade logistics, and developing alternative cooperation mechanisms in the face of challenges such as sanctions.

Diplomatic signals on Iran-US dialogue

Russia also indicated that it and China are playing a role in fostering dialogue between Iran and the United States, and expressed support for ongoing indirect talks through regional mediators.

Discussion on the role of BRICS in the global balance of power

Analysts believe that BRICS’ expansion and growing economic influence are making it important in the global power structure, but Russia’s statement indicates that the group currently wants to establish itself as an “economic-diplomatic platform” rather than a military alliance.