Today: 23 August 2025
5 July 2023
3 mins read

India seeks set norms for BRICS expansion

As many as 19 countries have expressed interest in membership of BRICS, 13 of them formally and 6 countries informally….reports Asian Lite News

India may press for the establishment of a well-defined criteria for the proposed addition of new members to the BRICS grouping of emerging nations, instead of extending membership solely on the basis of recommendations by present members, as Sherpas meet in Durban this week to decide on the crucial issue ahead of the BRICS Summit next month.

The BRICS grouping is not only an expression of multipolarity but of the many ways of meeting international challenges, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said, asserting that the five-nation bloc is an “established feature” of the global landscape.

“BRICS is no longer an ‘alternative’, it is an established feature of the global landscape,” he tweeted. He said the five-nation grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is not only an expression of multipolarity but of the many and diverse ways of meeting international challenges.

“Its (BRICS) focus is on building a fairer, inclusive and open international architecture with sustainable development at its core. Creating resilient and reliable supply chains is central to ensuring that no one is left behind,” he tweeted. Jaishankar said the ‘Friends of BRICS’ strongly support the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Addressing the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Jaishankar stated that the message of reform that Brics embodies must permeate the world of multilateralism.

The BRICS Sherpas, in their three-day meeting starting Tuesday, will try to come to an understanding on whether there needs to be an immediate expansion of the grouping and, if yes, how many new members should be accommodated and how are they to be selected, Businessline reported quoting sources.

As many as 19 countries have expressed interest in membership of BRICS, 13 of them formally and 6 countries informally. The interested countries include Argentina, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

“If BRICS nations decide on taking in new members, India would want formulation of well-established criteria for qualification. Once the criteria is in place, some eligibility condition could be mutually decided, for instance meeting of three out of five stated criteria,” a source tracking the matter told Businessline.

BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, now form one of the world’s most important economic blocs, representing more than one quarter of global GDP, and 42 per cent of the world’s population, according to an UNCTAD report.

It was China which first proposed the expansion last year when it chaired the group, and many interpret the development as the country’s move towards expanding its sphere of influence by getting in more “like-minded” countries.

“As there are so many countries interested in membership, it is important that they are evaluated fairly. For that there must be some criteria which could be jointly determined such as GDP, population size or any other relevant parameter,” the source said.

Some existing members are pushing the candidature of certain applicants, like Brazil rooting for Argentina and China and Russia putting their weight behind Saudi Arabia. “While it is important that the new members that are admitted to the grouping should have the acceptance of all members, some amount of objectivity needs to be there in the process of selection. For instance, when South Africa qualified as a member, why should Nigeria, a bigger economy, be out of it?,” another source noted. 

ALSO READ: India again refrains from extending support to China’s BRI

ALSO READ: ‘BRICS states deliberating about Egypt’s entry’

Previous Story

‘New launch’s Impact is limited’

Next Story

India’s solar aid to illuminate Sri Lanka’s black-out areas

Latest from -Top News

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin

Dubai’s startup supernova

Marking its 10th year, Expand North Star cements Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital innovation, uniting startups, unicorns, and investors to shape the future economy….reports Asian Lite News Expand North

Qatar: Syria’s stability key to region

Qatar, speaking for the Arab Group at the UN, urged unity and sovereignty for Syria as regional diplomacy, UN warnings, and fragile ceasefires highlight a precarious crossroads….reports Asian Lite News Qatar, speaking
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UP POLLS: 35.03% voting recorded till 1.00 pm

Of the total 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, voting

UAE, India To Tackle Key Issues

The meeting between foreign ministers of UAE and India touched