Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in a recent interview that many countries remain interested in joining the BRICS alliance despite U.S. pressure. Lavrov noted that developing nations see BRICS as a prototype of a multipolar world order. India hosted the 18th summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. Russia supported Bangladesh’s candidacy, but the bloc has not yet accepted its application. A total of 45 countries have shown interest in BRICS membership since the first expansion in 2024, with 23 submitting formal applications. However, new inductions are not expected soon, as the alliance recently expanded.
According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, many countries are expressing interest in joining the BRICS alliance. This statement follows India’s successful hosting of the 18th summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026.
Russia had backed Bangladesh’s candidature, but the alliance is still weighing the pros and cons. Bangladesh officially applied but has yet to be accepted by the group.
Lavrov stressed that developing countries are fully interested in being part of BRICS despite the U.S. threatening tariffs. “There is interest, as people understand that BRICS is a prototype of the future multipolar world order,” he said.
Emerging economies view the U.S. as a deterrent to their growth due to tariffs, sanctions, and rising national debt. “I do not see any decline in interest in BRICS as a result of pressure from Western countries, which, especially the United States, have publicly declared BRICS public enemy number one to progress,” Lavrov added.
A total of 45 countries have applied for BRICS membership since the first expansion in 2024. Of these, 23 have formally submitted applications, while 22 others have informally expressed interest.
It is unlikely that new members will be inducted soon, as the expansion happened in 2024. New inductions could take a few more years, according to the report.
