BRICS Expands: Welcoming New Members and Geopolitical Shift

The first ministerial meeting of the BRICS group of countries with its newly added members took place in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod on 10 June 2024, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of this influential bloc. The two-day meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations, hosted by Russia as the current chair, witnessed the participation of representatives from Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia – countries that officially joined the group on 1 January 2024.

Expansion and Representation

The expansion of BRICS, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was a pivotal decision made at the 15th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 22 to 24 August 2023. Six countries – Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – were initially invited to join the bloc. However, Argentina later declined the invitation, citing a change in leadership following its general election in November 2023.

The inclusion of Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia has significantly increased the representation and influence of the BRICS group, now accounting for approximately 40 percent of the world's population and a substantial portion of the global economy and trade.

Indian Delegation and Participation

India, a founding member of BRICS, was represented at the ministerial meeting by Dammu Ravi, the Secretary of (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs. This representation was due to the recent appointment of Dr. S. Jaishankar as the External Affairs Minister on 10 June 2024, leaving India without an officially designated External Affairs Minister at the time of the meeting.

The foreign ministers' meeting served as a crucial preparatory step for the forthcoming 16th annual BRICS summit, scheduled to take place in Russia from 22 to 24 October 2024. Leaders of the member countries are expected to attend this high-level gathering, where discussions on further strengthening cooperation and addressing global challenges will take center stage.

Significance of BRICS Expansion

The expansion of BRICS holds significant geopolitical and economic implications. The addition of major oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran not only bolsters the group's energy influence but also strengthens its position as a counterweight to Western dominance in global affairs.

Moreover, the inclusion of these countries aligns with the BRICS objective of enhancing the voice and representation of the Global South, fostering South-South cooperation, and promoting a more equitable and multipolar world order.

Future Prospects and Challenges

As BRICS continues to evolve, it will face challenges in aligning the diverse interests and priorities of its members. However, the group's commitment to principles of non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit provides a solid foundation for addressing these challenges and forging meaningful cooperation.

The next BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, set to take place on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York starting on 10 September 2024, will provide another opportunity for the expanded group to coordinate their positions and strengthen their collective voice on the global stage.

With Brazil slated to assume the chairmanship of BRICS after Russia, the bloc's focus is expected to shift toward issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and economic integration, reflecting the diverse interests of its growing membership.

As the world witnesses this geopolitical shift, the expanded BRICS bloc is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the global agenda and addressing pressing challenges facing the international community.