Global interest in BRICS keeps growing – Putin

The group’s independent course and commitment to international law appeals to countries around the world, the Russian president has said International interest in BRICS “continues to grow” as the group’s values and independent approach attract countries around the world, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday.Speaking at a BRICS Outreach/BRICS Plus session that concluded its 18th summit in New Delhi, Putin pointed to the broad participation in the meeting as evidence of its growing appeal.“Our basic values and ideals, such as commitment to an independent and autonomous course and the desire to resolve problems collectively based on international law and the key provisions of the UN Charter, appeal to many around the world,” he said.BRICS has expanded significantly beyond its original five members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – in recent years and introduced a partner-country category for states seeking closer cooperation without full membership.Putin described the organization as “one of the powerful driving forces” behind strengthening “genuine multilateralism” and forming a “new, fairer multipolar world order.” Trade among BRICS members has reached $1....