The BRICS grouping—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has entered a new phase popularly known as BRICS+. What began as a five-member economic and political coalition has now expanded to include new players, making the bloc more representative of the Global South. For UPSC aspirants, this is a high-relevance topic in international relations, touching GS-II (IR), GS-III (Economy), and even Essay papers.
Who joined BRICS+?
At the Johannesburg Summit in 2023, six countries were invited to join: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. From January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE became full members. Argentina opted out after its new government shifted foreign policy, while Saudi Arabia is still keeping its decision pending.
In January 2025, Indonesia officially joined BRICS, becoming the first Southeast Asian member. This is particularly significant as Indonesia brings ASEAN’s influence, a large consumer base, and critical resources into the grouping.
Why expand now?
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Voice of the Global South: Expansion enhances BRICS’ claim to represent emerging economies and developing nations on issues of trade, finance, climate change, and technology governance.
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Issue-based coalitions: New members contribute vital strengths—energy resources (Iran, UAE), control of strategic waterways (Egypt, Ethiopia), and manufacturing capacity (Indonesia).
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Institutional growth: Expansion aligns with strengthening of the New Development Bank (NDB), enhancing lending capacity for infrastructure and sustainable projects.
India’s role in BRICS+
India played a key role in shaping the expansion process. Unlike some members who pushed for rapid enlargement, India emphasized clear principles, standards, and consensus-based decision-making before admitting new countries. This balanced approach ensures BRICS doesn’t turn into a one-sided grouping dominated by a single power.
Priorities India is pushing
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Global Governance Reform: Strong advocacy for UNSC reform and greater representation of developing countries in institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
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Technology & Development: Showcasing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and promoting cooperation on digital economy, AI governance, and cyber security.
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Maritime & Security Issues: Continued emphasis on counter-terrorism and freedom of navigation in global commons.
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Climate & Finance: Advocacy for equitable climate finance and support for renewable energy transitions.
India’s 2026 Chairmanship
In 2026, India will chair BRICS and host the summit. This presents a crucial opportunity to:
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Institutionalize expansion criteria and prevent fragmentation within BRICS+.
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Advance agendas on digital economy, climate finance, and sustainable development.
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Push for reforms in the New Development Bank to make it more efficient and inclusive.
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Showcase India as a bridge between developed economies (through G20 and Quad) and developing economies (through BRICS and Global South platforms).
What does BRICS+ mean for India and the world?
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Economic Weight: With BRICS+ expansion, the bloc now represents a massive share of global GDP (PPP), trade flows, and population. This strengthens its bargaining power in international forums.
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Geopolitical Clout: The expanded membership enhances BRICS’ voice in global debates on multipolarity, trade, and finance.
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Challenges of Consensus: While broader membership gives legitimacy, it also increases diversity of interests, making consensus-building more complex. India’s consensus-driven approach becomes critical here.
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Strategic Autonomy: For India, BRICS+ provides a platform to deepen ties with the Global South without undermining its relations with the West or other groupings like the Quad.
Quick Facts for UPSC
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2023 invitees: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
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Joined in 2024: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE.
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Opted out: Argentina.
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Pending: Saudi Arabia.
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Joined in 2025: Indonesia.
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India chairs BRICS in 2026.
FAQs
Q1. Is Saudi Arabia part of BRICS now?
Not yet. Although invited, Saudi Arabia has not formally joined due to balancing its ties with other global powers.
Q2. Did Argentina join BRICS?
No. Argentina’s new government declined the invitation before the 2024 start date.
Q3. Who is the newest BRICS member?
Indonesia, which joined in January 2025, bringing Southeast Asian representation into the grouping.
Q4. Will BRICS launch a common currency?
A common currency is unlikely in the near future. While BRICS members are exploring local currency trade, India has clarified that de-dollarisation is not on its immediate agenda.
Q5. Why is 2026 important for India in BRICS?
India will chair BRICS in 2026, giving it the chance to shape the agenda on digital economy, climate finance, development priorities, and institutional reforms.
Conclusion
BRICS+ is not just an expansion—it’s a redefinition of global power balances. For India, it is both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to shape a multipolar world while protecting its own strategic autonomy. For UPSC aspirants, understanding BRICS+ offers insights into India’s foreign policy, South-South cooperation, and the evolving dynamics of global governance.
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