Russia's economic growth under sanctions proves that the BRICS nations are not dependent on the West, the vice chairman told Sputnik.
"I always give the example lately [about] the cost of sanctions. Russia showed a very big move to the BRICS nations. We are not dependent on the Western powers or their brands, or their services. We could create it on our own. And positive impact of 2% in the Russian economy proves that companies here are doing it," Shastri said on the sidelines of the BRICS Urban Future Forum in Moscow.
He added that the "Make in India" initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had a similar effect.
"India is growing rapidly. We have become the fifth-largest economy. The similar thought process is for all BRICS+ nations," Shastri added.
Russia has repeatedly said that it maintains the ability to withstand Western sanctions despite their growing intensity. Moscow asserts the West lacks the courage to admit the failure of sanctions, even though some Western voices acknowledge their ineffectiveness.