Russian President Vladimir Putin says BRICS has overtaken the G7 in economic terms, presenting the bloc as a central driver of global growth. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in 2026, Putin characterizes the “Global South” as a growing hub of economic activity. He also refers to India as a key partner, linking BRICS-related cooperation to India’s role within the grouping. The reports describe Putin’s remarks as part of a broader argument that economic momentum is shifting toward emerging economies and regions outside the G7. While the articles emphasize the claim that BRICS has surpassed the G7, they do not provide detailed supporting figures or a methodology in the excerpts provided. Overall, the coverage focuses on Putin’s stated assessment of changing global economic dynamics and his framing of BRICS and the Global South as leading this trend during his SPIEF appearance.