On social media, A Pakistan-based social media account South Asian Perspective recently shared a viral claim stating, “Russian media reports that India could lose its BRICS membership due to its relations with the West.”
Fact Check
During the investigation, DFRAC found that the claim is fake. We did not find any credible Russian media outlet reporting such information.
We reviewed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) website and found a statement published on December 10, 2024. The statement highlighted that the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) was co-chaired by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Mr. Andrey Belousov in Moscow on the same day. The Russian Defence Minister emphasised on deepening relationship between both the countries which is based on mutual trust and he further stated that the operationalisation of Military Technical Cooperation agreement for 2021-31 will give necessary impetus to ‘Make in India’.
Additionally, we found a report from The Hindu, published on December 10, 2024, covering the recent visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Moscow. The report states: “Despite significant geopolitical challenges and pressure, both publicly and privately, India has made a deliberate decision to not only maintain its strong engagement with Russia but also to expand and deepen the cooperation,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Moscow on December 10, 2024. “India has always supported its Russian friends and will continue to do so in the future,” he later added in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moreover, Times of India, in its report published on December 10, 2024, stated: “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, reaffirmed India’s support for Russia and emphasized the tremendous potential of the India-Russia partnership. Both leaders expressed confidence that their collaboration would lead to ‘remarkable outcomes’ in the future.”
Conclusion
DFRAC’s fact check confirms that the claim that India could potentially lose its BRICS membership due to its relations with the West is Fake. No credible Russian media outlet has reported such a claim.
