First, A Quick BRICS Refresher
Originally coined as an economic term, BRIC became a formal geopolitical bloc in 2009. It brought together four major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The goal was to increase their say in a world dominated by Western-led institutions
like the World Bank and IMF. South Africa joined in 2010, adding the 'S' to BRICS and giving the African continent a seat at the table. The group positioned itself as a key voice for the Global South, aiming to foster a more multipolar world order.
The Great Expansion Push
In recent years, the push to expand the group has gained significant momentum. The motivation is twofold. For some, like China and Russia, a larger BRICS is seen as a way to build a stronger counterweight to Western-led alliances like the G7. For dozens of other developing nations, joining BRICS is an attractive proposition. It offers access to a major economic and political platform without the stringent conditions often attached to Western institutions, and a chance to align with rising global powers. This mutual interest culminated in a major expansion.
Meet the New Members
The first major wave of expansion happened in 2024, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially joining. Indonesia followed in early 2025, becoming the first Southeast Asian member. Saudi Arabia was also invited and is considered a member, though it has delayed its official confirmation. This has grown the bloc to 11 members, collectively representing nearly half the world's population and a significant chunk of the global economy and oil production. Additionally, a new 'partner country' category was created to include other interested nations in BRICS activities.
The Core of the Debate
Expansion has not been without controversy within the group itself. The debate highlights the different visions members have for the bloc's future. China has been a strong advocate for rapid, large-scale expansion to enhance its global influence. Russia, facing Western isolation, has also supported growing the group to create deeper anti-Western alliances. However, India and Brazil were initially more cautious. They feared that a hasty expansion without clear rules would dilute their own influence and could allow the bloc to be dominated by the agendas of other members, particularly China. This has created a fundamental tension: Is BRICS a non-aligned platform for developing countries, or is it becoming an explicitly anti-Western bloc?
India’s Strategic Balancing Act
For New Delhi, the BRICS expansion represents both an opportunity and a challenge. India has consistently advocated for a cautious, criteria-based approach to adding new members. As a founding member and a voice for the Global South, India supports making the bloc more representative. However, it is also wary of the group becoming a tool for China's geopolitical ambitions, especially given the ongoing border rivalry between the two nations. India's strategy is to balance its commitments to BRICS with its strong partnerships with Western countries, including through forums like the Quad. By hosting the summit in New Delhi in September 2026, India aims to steer the conversation toward practical cooperation and effectiveness, ensuring the enlarged group serves a multipolar vision rather than a single country's interests.
