BRICS Business Push: Putin pitched an NDB-backed investment platform for BRICS projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics and tech, while Modi used the forum to urge secure sea lanes and safer seafarers as trade barriers rise. India-Russia Dealmaking: Modi and Putin met in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit, with talks expected to cover energy, civil nuclear, critical minerals, railways, steel and a push to lift bilateral trade toward $100bn by 2030. Payments & Local Currencies: BRICS finance chiefs backed more local-currency settlements and cross-border payment interoperability, as India’s Goyal urged linking UPI with BRICS systems to make digital trade more accessible. Sanctions & Frozen Assets: The EU said using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine remains possible, while the European Commission explored ways to move assets out of Euroclear to overcome Belgium’s objections. Russia Economy Signals: Russia’s unemployment stayed near historic lows but eased slightly, and the central bank highlighted wage growth outpacing productivity as an inflation risk; Nabiullina also said Russia holds over 2,200 tonnes of gold. Security & Business Impact: Russia’s drone and missile campaign hit civilian sites including a Dnipro business area and a Kyiv petrol station, while the FSB alleged a plot involving data collection tied to the British ambassador. Tech & Industry: Russia launched commercial 5G networks after long delays, and Moscow firms at INNOPROM India discussed localization, robotics and training partnerships.