BRICS Expansion: India Prepares to Host 18th BRICS Summit in 2026

BRICS Expansion Raises Stakes for Global South as India Prepares to Host Summit BRICS has entered a new phase of expansion, increasing its geographic reach, economic influence and political relevance as countries of the Global South seek a greater role in shaping global institutions. The grouping, which began as an association of Brazil, Russia, India and China, has expanded from four founding members to (11) full members. Its growing footprint across Asia, Africa, West Asia and Latin America has intensified debate over the future balance of global power. British economist Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRIC” in (2001) to describe Brazil, Russia, India and China as major emerging economies with growing importance in the global economy. The four countries began formal diplomatic coordination in (2006) and held their first leaders’ summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in (2009). South Africa joined the group in (2011), transforming BRIC into BRICS and giving the forum a stronger presence on the African continent.

BRICS Expands to 11 Members BRICS expanded significantly in (2024), when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates joined the group. Saudi Arabia was also invited to join, although its formal membership status has remained unclear in public reporting. Indonesia became a full BRICS member in January (2025), taking the total number of members to (11): - Brazil - Russia - India - China - South Africa - Egypt - Ethiopia - Iran - Indonesia - United Arab Emirates - Saudi Arabia The group has also created a partner-country category, widening its engagement with countries outside its formal membership. The expansion gives BRICS a broader mix of major emerging economies, energy producers and influential regional powers. It also provides a larger platform for Global South countries to coordinate positions on trade, development, finance, energy, technology and global governance.

Focus Beyond Diplomacy BRICS discussions now extend beyond traditional diplomatic issues. The grouping is working on trade facilitation, development finance, digital cooperation, technology, health, energy security and supply-chain resilience. Member nations have also discussed increasing trade in local currencies and improving cross-border payment systems. These efforts aim to reduce transaction costs and lessen dependence on a single global currency, though BRICS has not adopted a common currency. BRICS is not a military alliance and does not formally define itself as an anti-Western bloc. Its member countries have different political systems, strategic interests and foreign-policy priorities. India, for example, continues to deepen engagement with BRICS while maintaining strategic and economic partnerships with the United States, Europe and other Western countries. Other BRICS members also use the platform to expand their diplomatic and economic choices rather than align exclusively with one geopolitical bloc.

Global Governance in Focus BRICS countries have repeatedly called for reforms in international institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. They argue that developing nations need greater representation in global decision-making. Together, the (11) BRICS members account for roughly half of the world’s population and about (40%) of global GDP, depending on the measurement used. However, the group’s size does not automatically guarantee greater influence. Its effectiveness will depend on whether members with different national interests can translate their collective economic weight into practical cooperation, stronger negotiating power and meaningful global reforms. As India prepares to host the (18th) BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September (12) and (13), (2026), the key question will be whether the expanded grouping can convert its growing membership into tangible influence on the global stage.