Russia Open to Non-Dollar Payment Methods, Says Kremlin

Russia has clarified that it is not pursuing a policy of "de-dollarisation" and remains open to using any acceptable payment method in international transactions. The statement was made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during a virtual interaction with Indian journalists on Tuesday, just days before the BRICS leaders' summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi.

Peskov's remarks come amid growing global discussions about reducing reliance on the US dollar in trade and finance. While he did not name any specific country, Peskov noted that some nations are increasingly using their national currency as a political instrument, a development that has prompted other economies to explore alternative payment mechanisms.

The clarification from Moscow signals a pragmatic approach to international trade, suggesting that Russia is willing to engage with partners through multiple financial channels rather than pushing for a complete shift away from the dollar. The timing of the statement is significant, as the upcoming BRICS summit is expected to feature discussions on economic cooperation, currency stability, and trade facilitation among member states.

India, as the host of the summit, is likely to play a key role in shaping these conversations, given its growing economic ties with Russia and its own interest in diversifying payment systems. Peskov's comments may help ease concerns among trading partners who have been cautious about the implications of a broader move away from dollar-denominated transactions.