Why the Sudden Urge to Expand?
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (South Africa joined in 2010), BRICS was conceived as a forum to boost economic cooperation and give a bigger voice to emerging economies. The recent push for a larger bloc is championed primarily
by China and Russia, who see an expanded BRICS as a powerful counterweight to Western-led institutions like the G7. Their goal is to build a multipolar world order where the 'Global South' has more say. Following the 2024 expansion that welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, and Indonesia's entry in 2025, the group's economic and demographic heft is undeniable. It now represents nearly half the world's population and a significant chunk of global GDP.
The Long Line of Applicants
More than 20 countries have either formally applied or expressed strong interest in joining the bloc. Nations like Turkey, Pakistan, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Vietnam are among the prominent names frequently mentioned. For many, membership offers access to development finance through the New Development Bank (NDB) and a platform to coordinate on trade and economic policy outside the framework of the US dollar and Western financial systems. The creation of a 'partner country' status has also provided a formal pathway for nations to align with BRICS without immediately becoming full members, with countries like Belarus, Bolivia, and Thailand already part of this initiative.
A House Divided: The Internal Debate
Not all members agree on the pace and scale of expansion. While China pushes for a rapid enlargement to bolster its own influence and create a more overtly anti-Western bloc, other members are more cautious. India and Brazil, in particular, have stressed the need for a clear, criteria-based process for admitting new countries. Their concern is that a hasty expansion could dilute the group’s purpose, making it unwieldy and less effective. The experience of integrating the newest members since 2024 has highlighted these challenges, making the debate over the next wave of applicants even more critical.
India's Strategic Balancing Act
As the host of the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi, India finds itself at the center of this debate. New Delhi's official stance is 'non-Western, not anti-Western'. India is not against expansion but wants to ensure the process is gradual and consensus-based. There are two key concerns for Indian policymakers. First, preventing the bloc from being dominated by its strategic rival, China. Second, ensuring that new members, such as Pakistan, do not import their bilateral conflicts into the group, which could paralyze its decision-making. India's aim is to steer BRICS towards a development-focused agenda, concentrating on issues like digital infrastructure and climate action, rather than direct geopolitical confrontation.
What's at Stake for the World?
The outcome of the expansion debate will have significant consequences for the global order. A larger, more assertive BRICS could challenge the dominance of the G7 and institutions like the IMF and World Bank, offering alternative sources of financing and diplomatic influence. It could accelerate the trend of 'de-dollarization' as members increasingly trade in their national currencies. However, the bloc's internal divisions remain a major hurdle. Stark differences in political systems, economic models, and foreign policy goals—from democratic India to authoritarian China and sanctioned Russia—make consensus difficult to achieve. The group's ability to speak with one voice on major global issues remains its biggest test.
