India, Sept. 12 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday pitched a new investment platform to fund projects in trade, infrastructure, logistics and technology across BRICS, while stressing that the grouping's expanding economic cooperation was not against anyone and aimed instead at advancing the national interests of its members.

He also took a swipe at the G7, questioning why the group is called the group of seven while highlighting the growing economic weight of BRICS countries. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Putin said more than 40 per cent of the world's GDP has been produced by BRICS countries over the last five years.

In contrast, he said, the contribution of the G7 stands at only 29 per cent.

Addressing the gatherin...