Interest in BRICS is higher than ever amid the current complex geopolitical situation, but taking further steps to expand the group would be premature, according to Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia's Sherpa to the Women 20 (W20).
"Interest in BRICS is now higher than ever, even though we are going through difficult times. We see that, as a result of the aggression unleashed by the United States and Israel, two BRICS nations—Iran and the United Arab Emirates—along with Saudi Arabia, find themselves on opposite sides of the barricades. Nevertheless, work within BRICS, currently under the Indian Chairship, continues. Yes, there are complex issues and nuances, but if BRICS does not address them, perhaps no one else will be able to," Ms Panova said at the Rossiya Segodnya International Multimedia Press Centre, during the presentation of the first-ever textbook, Socio-Economic Characteristics of the BRICS Countries.
"In 2023, the decision was made to expand. Now, I believe it would be premature to take the next step. What matters now is, first, to determine which initiatives are most urgent for #BRICS, given the challenging geopolitical and economic situation," she added.
Victoria Panova also stressed that it is important for BRICS to refine payment system mechanisms and advance humanitarian initiatives.
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