BRICS, the 11-nation economic bloc, is actively considering further expansion, with a formal discussion planned for its 2026 summit. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov confirmed the initiative, stating expansion is broadly supported and would strengthen the alliance financially. The move is seen as promoting more trade in local currencies, potentially reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
The BRICS bloc is planning further expansion, with the topic set for discussion at the 2026 summit. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Sherpa Sergey Ryabkov confirmed the plans, as stated in a recent report. He noted that “There will be expansion; no one opposes this,” and argued it would benefit the alliance.
Ryabkov emphasized that admitting new members would financially strengthen BRICS and lead to tailored trade deals. He specifically highlighted that such deals would be conducted in local currencies, bypassing the U.S. dollar. “In this case, BRICS will only benefit from the expansion, from admitting new members,” the senior diplomat noted.
While Russia and China are keen on expansion, other members like India, Brazil, and South Africa remain more skeptical. They are concerned expansion could become unwieldy, though any new membership requires full consensus. The bloc previously grew in 2024 by adding the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
When questioned on timing, Ryabkov said the substantive integration of new members is the priority over a specific date. He explained concrete expansion parameters are being examined theoretically to ensure smooth integration. The focus remains on avoiding internal friction within the growing economic alliance.
