From Acronym to Alliance
First coined by a Goldman Sachs economist in 2001, 'BRIC' was an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, and China—four fast-growing economies poised to collectively shape the global economy. By 2009, it had evolved from an investment thesis into a formal
political dialogue. South Africa’s inclusion in 2010 rounded out the group's name and its ambition to represent the Global South. For years, BRICS focused on coordinating economic policy and advocating for reforms in Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and IMF. Its most notable achievement was the creation of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) as alternatives for infrastructure financing and financial support.
Why the Sudden Rush to Expand?
The recent push for expansion is driven by a convergence of global trends. Many developing nations are seeking alternatives to a global financial and political system they feel is dominated by the West. The use of economic sanctions and the weaponization of the US dollar have accelerated the search for other options. For many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, joining BRICS offers the chance to diversify trade relationships, access non-Western funding, and gain a bigger voice in international affairs. The bloc's recent expansion, which saw Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia join the original five, has only amplified this interest, making BRICS a powerful symbol of a shifting global order.
A Divided House on Expansion
While the list of aspirants grows, the existing members are not entirely aligned on how to proceed. China and Russia have been the most vocal champions of rapid expansion. For Beijing, a larger BRICS amplifies its global influence and serves as a counterweight to US-led alliances. For Moscow, it’s a way to combat international isolation and strengthen ties with the Global South. India and Brazil have traditionally been more cautious, concerned that a larger group could dilute their own influence and make consensus harder to achieve. New Delhi has advocated for a criteria-based approach, ensuring that new members are a strategic fit. As the 2026 chair, India is navigating these complex dynamics, aiming to position itself as a bridge between the West and the Global South.
The Queue of Applicants
More than 30 countries have formally applied or expressed strong interest in joining the bloc. This diverse group includes nations like Turkey, a NATO member actively seeking China's backing, as well as countries like Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Venezuela, and Nigeria. To manage this overwhelming interest, BRICS introduced a 'Partner Country' category in 2024, creating a formal pathway for engagement without immediate full membership. Ten countries, including Belarus, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, have already been admitted as partners. This two-tiered structure allows the bloc to expand its network while grappling with the challenge of how to integrate new full members without becoming ineffective.
The Challenge of Cohesion
Expansion presents a paradox: a larger group has more collective economic and demographic weight but faces a greater risk of internal division. The current 11 members already have divergent interests and are sometimes on opposite sides of geopolitical conflicts. For example, the rivalry between India and China, or tensions between new members Iran and the UAE, could make it difficult to reach a consensus on critical issues. Critics argue that without a clear vision and effective internal mechanisms, BRICS risks becoming a 'big but weak' forum, unable to move beyond broad statements. As India hosts the upcoming summit in New Delhi, its key task will be to steer the expanded group toward tangible cooperation and a unified voice.
