Russian President Vladimir Putin has pushed a major BRICS financial initiative, calling for the development of a new payment, settlement and depository infrastructure within the bloc. The proposal could strengthen trade between BRICS members and reduce their exposure to external financial pressure. Putin also backed greater use of independent trade and banking channels, as BRICS expands its economic influence. Could the bloc’s financial push challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar and reshape global trade? Here’s what Putin said at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.