BRICS Overtakes G7 in Economic Power, Says Putin at SPIEF 2026; Praises India as Key Global Partner

President Vladimir Putin stated at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum that BRICS has overtaken the G7 in economic size, accounting for 40% of global GDP. He praised India as a key IT leader that maintains sovereign decision-making despite external pressures. Putin also criticised Western sanctions, claiming that efforts to isolate Russia economically have failed.