BRICS Expansion: EAM Jaishankar Says Group Has 'Positive Intent'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the expansion of the BRICS bloc is still a work in progress and members of the five-nation grouping are approaching the idea with a positive intent and an open mind.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar poses for a group photo at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting, in Cape Town, Friday, June 2, 2023.

The expansion of the BRICS bloc is still a work in progress, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Following a meeting of the foreign ministers of BRICS nations in Cape Town, Jaishankar expressed the positive intent and open-mindedness with which members of the five-nation grouping are approaching the idea. Jaishankar highlighted that the leaders of the BRICS countries had previously tasked them with formulating guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures for the admission of new members. He emphasized that this process is ongoing and still in the early stages.

"We are approaching this with positive intent and an open mind," he stated.

Consolidation Within BRICS And Engagement With Non-Members

The expansion process involves several aspects, according to Jaishankar. One aspect is the consolidation of cooperation among existing BRICS members. Another involves exploring how the bloc can engage with non-BRICS countries. Additionally, the question of the appropriate format for BRICS expansion is being examined. Jaishankar noted that progress on these matters will be dependent on the work of the sherpas representing the BRICS members.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira echoed Jaishankar's view on the importance of preserving the BRICS brand. Vieira emphasized that BRICS represents 40% of the world's population, making it a valuable asset. He acknowledged that the success of the bloc has attracted the attention of many other countries over the past 15 years.

China's BRICS+ Model 

China's Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu highlighted the development and recognition of China's proposed BRICS+ model, which aims to foster solidarity and cooperation between developing countries and emerging market economies. He expressed China's happiness in seeing more countries expressing interest in joining the BRICS family. Zhaoxu emphasized that the expansion of BRICS will benefit the member countries, and developing nations, and increase the representation and influence of the mechanism.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, the host of the meeting, stated that no useful document on the expansion matter had been finalized yet. Once a document offering clear guidance is prepared, it will be presented at the BRICS Summit in Pretoria in August. The BRICS+ meeting, which will be part of the summit, is expected to include various African countries and chairs of regional community bodies from different regions worldwide.

Attraction Of BRICS As A Symbol Of Multipolar World

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that the interest of numerous countries in joining BRICS is a testament to its significance as a symbol of the multipolar world. Lavrov highlighted that BRICS represents more than a dozen countries, attracting them with its ideals and values.

Reports suggest that countries such as Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Venezuela, and Argentina are seeking membership in the BRICS bloc.

The BRICS bloc consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of global trade.