Russian President  Putin on June 22 called for closer ties with the BRICS countries amid unprecedented sanctions imposed by the West for its invasion of Ukraine. Mr Putin said Russia was "actively shifting trade flows and external economic ties towards reliable international partners, especially brics". A string of Western sanctions against Moscow has prompted Putin to seek new markets and strengthen ties with countries in Africa and Asia. He said discussions are underway to open Indian chain stores in Russia and increase the proportion of Chinese car sales in the Russian market. There will also be more imports of mini wheel loaders for infrastructure.