• Over 20 nations eagerly seek to become part of the BRICS.
• The Islamic Republic has emphasized that its objectives align with the BRICS countries’ objectives.

As the BRICS Summit approaches in August, the primary focus for the bloc appears to be expansion. The bloc’s expansion has been an ongoing narrative, but the roster of interested countries seems to be expanding continuously. Presently, an increasing number of nations have a strong desire to join this rapidly growing economic alliance.

Countries Effortlessly Apply to Join the BRICS Alliance

The BRICS economic bloc has consistently grabbed attention throughout the year, primarily due to its significant de-dollarization efforts poised to bring about a transformative change in the global power dynamics. As the bloc expands, it becomes increasingly certain that these endeavors aim to establish a multipolar world and will realize this goal.

According to a report by Tass, a Russian government-owned publication, Sergey Ryabkov, a high-ranking diplomat from Russia, says there is escalating competition for BRICS membership. Ryabkov discloses that around 20 countries are currently in a queue, eagerly anticipating entry into BRICS, the economic alliance that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

As the upcoming summit approaches, not only is the list of countries expressing interest expanding, but it is also becoming more competitive. Additionally, Ryabkov noted, “I can say that, in our view, the Arab world and the Asia-Pacific region have been clearly ‘begging’ to join BRICS, as they have no representation there today.” It is worth noting that the BRICS leaders have the final decision-making authority regarding joining the bloc.

Furthermore, Ryabkov emphasized that ongoing discussions determine the criteria for joining BRICS, with South Africa taking an active role in intensifying this work. Additionally, this ensures that the forthcoming BRICS summit holds significance, as it will involve serious deliberations on the membership requests from all countries. 

He noted that BRICS had determined that it is a collection of nations that do not adhere to the “leader-follower” principle. Instead, the alliance strives to establish a constructive agenda founded on consensus.

BRICS Members Open to Iran’s Potential Membership, Says FM Amir-Abdollahian

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking to reporters in Cape Town, highlighted that due to Iran’s geopolitical position and capabilities, the principal members of BRICS warmly welcomed Iran’s potential accession to the group. The senior diplomat was referring to the outcomes of his participation in the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, where he received an invitation to attend.

The collective membership of the group represents approximately half of the world’s population and contributes to around one-fifth of the global economy. Iran is among over a dozen countries actively seeking membership in the bloc and has formally applied to join. The Islamic Republic has emphasized that its objectives align with the BRICS countries’ objectives.

Amir-Abdollahian noted that during the meeting, the participants took preliminary steps to evaluate Iran’s request for membership in the group. He highlighted that the Islamic Republic had successfully conveyed its positions during the event.

Furthermore, he utilized the meeting to discuss the modalities of Iran’s potential membership in BRICS. He emphasized that a mechanism was being established to facilitate this possibility.