BRICS Eyes 2026 Expansion as Alliance Keeps Doors Open for New Members
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov confirmed the BRICS alliance is actively discussing expansion plans for its 2026 summit during ongoing Sherpa meetings in New Delhi. The bloc, now comprising 11 Core members with 13 partner nations, has seen interest from approximately 45 countries seeking participation.
Ryabkov emphasized the alliance's open-door policy while declining to specify timelines for new inductions. The 2024 expansion saw six invitations extended, though only four nations accepted—Argentina declined outright while Saudi Arabia withdrew, citing strategic ties with Western nations under its Vision 2030 program.