JOHANNESBURG: Leaders of the BRICS nations convened in Johannesburg for a three-day summit to discuss the potential expansion of the group’s membership, aiming to bolster its influence on the global stage. The BRICS coalition, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is considering the inclusion of new members, a topic that has revealed differences in approach among its current constituents.
With the rapid rise of China and its quest for greater geopolitical influence, the expansion of the BRICS alliance has been a focal point of discussions during the summit. While China aims to extend the BRICS family to new nations, such as Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, other key members, particularly India, approach the prospect with caution due to potential geopolitical implications.
Approximately 50 heads of state and government participated in the summit, which highlights the diverse composition of the BRICS coalition. Comprising a mix of large and small economies, democratic and authoritarian systems, the BRICS members share the common goal of challenging the existing Western-led global order that they view as insufficiently serving their interests and rising influence.
In the pursuit of expansion, the BRICS nations operate on a consensus-based approach, with officials deliberating criteria for the admission of new members. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed the collective support for expansion among all BRICS members during the summit. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his endorsement of welcoming new members while emphasizing the importance of consensus.
Benefits of Expanded BRICS Bloc
President Xi Jinping of China highlighted the potential benefits of a larger BRICS coalition, stating that expansion would enable the pooling of strength and wisdom for more equitable global governance. The expansion discussion aligns with the backdrop of a changing global landscape marked by shifts, divisions, and transformation, as noted by President Xi.
The potential expansion of the BRICS alliance holds both opportunities and challenges. As various countries express interest in joining, BRICS members must carefully consider the balance between maintaining good relations with China and Russia, while not estranging their trade partners, particularly the United States. Additionally, the group’s ability to maintain a unified stance on critical global issues may be affected by an increase in membership.
The discussions underscore the evolving dynamics in global geopolitics, with BRICS countries aiming to amplify their influence while accommodating the diverse interests and objectives of potential new members.
