Russian Ambassador to India addressed webinar Moments of Truth for BRICS Challenges, Strategies and Way Forward
On November 26, H.E. Mr Nikolay R.Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, addressed a webinar Moments of Truth for BRICS Challenges, Strategies and Way Forward, organized jointly by the BRICS International Forum and the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi as a follow-up for the XII BRICS Summit, held on November 17, 2020.
“Dear Ms Anand, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen!
Pleasure to join you on this remarkable occasion! To begin with, let me highly appreciate the initiative of the BRICS International Forum and its dedication to the promotion of this unique partnership! After the XII BRICS Summit under the Russian Chairmanship, it seems to be very timely to try to analyze BRICS as a phenomenon in global politics and in domestic calculations in each country.
It was clear that BRICS time and again demonstrated a high degree of relevance in supplementing efforts of the international community in many fronts be it reform of the global governance or fight against COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, we were motivated by the 2020 motto – «BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth».
The figures were impressive – over 150 events, including 25 ministerial meetings, continuing high-level foreign policy and security dialogue framed into
70 mechanisms of sectoral partnerships. But the key of the success was a dedicated job to further advance mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation.
In the global dimension our efforts were aimed at the promotion of just and equal multipolar world order. Our consistent support of the central role of the UN and international law is the basic reason why our global and regional approaches are similar or even coinciding.
Importantly, on the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War the Leaders emphasized that the Great Victory and the foundation of the United Nations are the common legacy. They were resolute against attempts to rehabilitate and even glorify Nazi ideology and distort history, and many countries including India became co-sponsors of the Russia-proposed relevant UN GA resolution.
Maintaining close coordination on the G20 agenda, the BRICS countries support comprehensive measures to overcome the impact of the pandemic to restore global value chains and the openness of international trade. In this regard Russia’s initiative on the green corridors free from wars and sanctions, primarily with regard to humanitarian supplies of food and vital medicines, is on the table.
In the course of BRICS collective measures we are decided to intensify well-established collaboration between epidemiological services and suggested creating an early warning system for infectious diseases outbreaks. These efforts were also supported by the New Development Bank allocating USD 10 bn for these purposes.
The NDB is a well-reputed global financial institution. Currently the Bank enjoys AA+ long-term credit rating by Fitch and S&P as well AAA by Japan Credit Rating. Its overall portfolio of infrastructure investment projects exceeded USD 20 bn. The BRICS Contingent Currency Arrangement is also fully operational.
The Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership until 2025 is well designed to support revival of national economies back to sustainable growth and help to resist negative factors – unilateral and protectionist measures. Our economic competitiveness will be further ensured through digitization, improving quality of life, addressing imbalances, increased use of national currencies in trade.
Among other achievements – implementation of the Energy Research Cooperation Platform initiative and the launch of the BRICS Women’s Business
Alliance. The five countries continued cooperation in science, technology and innovation, humanitarian and cultural exchanges. Strong impetus was given to the tracks of sports, tourism, agriculture, urban development, environment protection.
We are closely coordinating efforts on a wide range of the current global and regional matters, including new challenges and threats. The Leaders endorsed the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which would allow to work out common measures, promote implementation of the UN Global CT-Strategy and support adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
In general, despite the pandemic the Russian Chairmanship with the support of India and other partners managed to keep BRICS on its track in proceeding to the goal of a constructive polycentrism and expanding practical cooperation.
Keeping in mind the solid common ground, we wish the Indian Chairmanship in BRICS in 2021 every success, and extend our full support in ensuring further continuity and enriching cooperation with new interesting projects and ideas!”
