‘BRICS Must Focus On Convergences, Not Divergences,’ Says Ex-Diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri

Source: Outlook India | Original Published At: 2026-09-12 11:59:49 UTC

Key Points

• Former Indian diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri said BRICS should focus on its convergences and manage its divergences, especially after enlargement.
• He emphasized practical cooperation among BRICS countries, noting that the grouping accounts for around 40% of global GDP.
• He said BRICS could enhance trade through bilateral currencies, swaps, and other arrangements, while clarifying that de-dollarisation was not the central idea being discussed.
• He stated that China’s weight in the global economy and within BRICS must be recognized, while acknowledging India’s contested border issues with China.
• He described BRICS as a reflection of shifting global power rather than an anti-West grouping.
• He said India’s multi-alignment strategy is important for strategic autonomy and allows engagement with BRICS, the SCO, the United States, and the Quad.