Moscow: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on Saturday denied that the BRICS economic bloc sought to transform into a military alliance. In an interview with the state news agency TASS, Ryabkov stated that BRICS is neither a military alliance nor a collective security organization with obligations regarding mutual military assistance.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ryabkov emphasized that BRICS was never conceived as a military entity and there are no plans to shift the bloc in that direction. He clarified that the 11-member bloc's agenda does not involve military exercises or arms control. Ryabkov also addressed a recent naval exercise in South Africa, denying it was a 'BRICS event' and noting that participating countries did so individually. The 'Will for Peace 2026' drills, held from January 9-16, included China, Iran, and Russia.
When questioned about BRICS' capability to protect member tankers from attacks, Ryabkov remarked that the bloc's capacity is limited to improving logistics and safeguarding against sanctions, leaving security to be ensured by other methods.
BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The inclusion of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran expanded the group to 11 members, in addition to 10 partner countries.
Ryabkov highlighted the notable growth in trade among BRICS countries, which surpasses the global average, suggesting that BRICS can effectively address challenges without being a 'magic wand.' He also mentioned that BRICS should support Iran, as Moscow and Beijing engage with the country to foster a conducive political environment for discussions between Tehran and Washington.
The focus, according to Ryabkov, lies on negotiations that Iran is conducting with its partners, as well as its indirect communications with the US through Arab intermediaries. The US and Iran engaged in indirect talks in Muscat on February 6, mediated by Oman, to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. This followed an eight-month pause after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025.
US President Donald Trump has increased the US military presence in the region, urging Iran to reach an agreement amidst domestic protests linked to economic troubles. A contentious issue remains uranium enrichment, with the US insisting Iran stop enrichment and export highly enriched uranium. The US also aims to include Iran's missile program and regional support for armed groups in the talks, but Tehran has consistently refused to expand negotiations beyond its nuclear agenda.