Around twenty countries have applied to join the BRICS group, which currently consists of five nations (South Africa, Brazil, China, India, and Russia), and an equal number of countries have expressed interest in becoming members, as confirmed by South Africa’s ambassador-at-large for Asia and the BRICS, Anil Sooklal. Countries such as Iran, Argentina, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia have expressed their interest in joining the group, which aims to increase its influence in international institutions dominated by the United States and Europe.

The BRICS countries are seen as a driving force in changing global politics and the global economic landscape to be more inclusive and less dominated by a few hegemonies. The next BRICS summit will take place from 22 to 24 August in Johannesburg, with 69 countries invited, including African countries. French President Emmanuel Macron has requested attendance, but a decision is yet to be made, and the process for admitting new members involves consultation among the existing BRICS countries.