"Let’s make this clear: no Western country will ever join BRICS for a very simple reason. The so-called golden billion, or the privileged minority of developed economies, has consistently opposed multipolarity, seeking to retain the convenience and comfort of the unipolar world order as well as historical dominance," the senior Russian diplomat said at an expert discussion noscriptd "BRICS Today: Plateau or New Rise?"

"They are accustomed to thinking within the framework of their own paradigm, following the rationale of `whoever is not with us is against us’," he maintained. "Hence their suspicions and efforts to find ways to weaken BRICS," he argued.

"The BRICS Sports Games are a regular event, and we, of course, expect that our Indian colleagues and friends will continue this tradition and, in general, present a vast program for their Chairship in 2026," he said.

"These are, among other things, financial and economic issues, where we place special emphasis on the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, exploring opportunities to create payment mechanisms resistant to external risks. The key projects here are the launch of a cross-border payment initiative, the creation of the BRICS Clear settlement and depository infrastructure, a reinsurance company, as well as the establishment of a new investment platform to attract additional capital investments to stimulate new growth drivers," he said.

"We will continue to deal with cultural and humanitarian issues, including by organising large-scale events such as Academic and Civil Forums, Cultural Festivals, Film Festivals, Youth Summits, a Forum of Young Diplomats, and so on," he added.

"On November 30, 2025, the first winner of the #BRICS Literature Award was revealed in Khabarovsk. Following a vote by the international jury, Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr was named the laureate. She is one of the foremost voices in contemporary Arabic literature, the author of seven short story collections, seven novels, and a play, whose works have been translated into numerous European languages," the press service stated.

"The Minister sought India's support for Thailand's aspiration to join BRICS during India's upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026," the ministry's statement read.

"Both sides also discussed foreign policy in the context of current geopolitical challenges. Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to work with India across various multilateral platforms to enhance regional integration," the statement added.

"Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and BRICS Sherpa Sergey Ryabkov held online consultations with Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister and BRICS Sherpa Sherif Kamel. They noted the similarity of their nations' approaches to the group's wide-ranging agenda and reaffirmed their dedication to deepening the strategic partnership within BRICS and enhancing its global standing," the ministry stated on its official website.

"We face a critical task: to ensure the fight against international terrorism is not turned into an instrument of political manipulation and pressure on the governments of sovereign states," he stated.

"Together, we can accomplish this. I am confident we will. It is no coincidence that a growing number of countries aspire to join BRICS and other constructive international organisations," concluded the Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Russia.