NEW DELHI: The BRICS countries on Monday came out strongly in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin as it expressed concern over a statement by Australia that Putin could be prevented from participating in the G-20 Summit Down Under this year in the wake of Russia annexing Crimea from Ukraine.

Meeting on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague, ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) expressed concern over Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop's comment that Putin could be barred from attending the G-20 summit in November.

"The ministers noted with concern the recent media statement on the forthcoming G-20 summit to be held in Brisbane in November 2014. The custodianship of the G-20 belongs to all member-states equally and no one member-state can unilaterally determine its nature and character," the BRICS said in a statement.

External affairs minister Salman Khurshid represented India. Foreign ministers of China Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov were also present.

After Russia took over Crimea from Ukraine, Bishop had said Putin could be banned from travelling to Australia for the G-20 Summit while supporting the stand of the European Union (EU) and the US in attacking Russia on the issue.

India has already made it clear that it will not support any "unilateral measures" against Russian government. It believes that Russia's role in international issues relating to Afghanistan, Syria and Iran is very important. The ministers of BRICS countries reflected on the challenges to peace and security, notably the "significant infringements" of privacy and related rights in the wake of cyber threats.