Iraq has officially expressed interest in joining the BRICS bloc in 2026, seeking membership alongside Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi. The expansion will be discussed at the September summit chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though no formal invitations have been issued. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated a pause in expansion but signaled openness to Bangladesh’s candidature in the future.
Iraq and Bangladesh are the two countries seeking to join the BRICS alliance in 2026. The Iraqi ambassador to Russia, Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa, confirmed the country’s desire to join the grouping. He stated that Iraq is prepared to meet the bloc’s entrance requirements and “would like to become a member and contribute to its power threshold.”
Baghdad revealed it would readily accept an invitation from the group if one were sent. The diplomat praised the bloc, calling it a “very significant group.” The 18th BRICS summit is scheduled for September in New Delhi and will be chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Expansion of the alliance could be discussed at the upcoming summit, but there is no guarantee Iraq and Bangladesh will receive invitations. The decision is consensus-based among current members. Russia has, however, hinted it could likely invite Bangladesh in the future.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explained there is a pause in expansion following the addition of five new countries in 2024. He stated, “But our stance on Bangladesh’s candidature when this pause is over is as follows: we will welcome the candidature of this large and important Asian nation.” Developing countries find the bloc attractive due to the strategic advantages it offers.
The BRICS alliance brings new trade opportunities, with founding members routinely rewriting trade deals to boost their financial stature. Prominence is given to settling cross-border transactions in local currencies, which helps local businesses thrive and strengthens respective national GDPs.
