Ryabkov: BRICS focused on integrating new members, but remains open to expansion

(Patria) - BRICS is now focused on integrating its new members and expanding cooperation with partners, while leaving the door open for further expansion, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Russian BRICS envoy Sergey Ryabkov, TASS reported.

"We could not and will not set any artificial timeframes or deadlines for such decisions. The door of BRICS remains open. Countries that want to join the association know this. BRICS is now in the process of discussing ways to expand and strengthen the format of cooperation with partners. This is another way to meet the demand for closer ties with BRICS," he said in New Delhi.

"There will be expansion, no one is against it," he said. "The question of when is important, but it should not overshadow the substantive part. BRICS should be ready to ensure the maximum effective integration of all new members to avoid internal friction and tensions. In this case, BRICS will only benefit from expansion, from the admission of new members," said the Russian diplomat, adding that the specific parameters of potential expansion are being considered "more theoretically than practically".

"BRICS operates on the basis of consensus. This is a fundamental and absolutely unquestionable basis for decision-making. Therefore, we have no grounds to invite and welcome anyone now, especially as members of BRICS, although we know that there is interest in the association and that the list of those seeking closer ties with the group and membership in it is not decreasing," he said.

"BRICS has experienced explosive growth in the last two years," he said.

"Indonesia joined the group just a year ago and is already doing a lot in all areas. During the Russian presidency, we received a large group of new members. They are now focused on the agenda, and their governments, ministries and agencies are closely cooperating with partners from other BRICS countries in all spheres."

Founded in 2006, the BRIC group consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined the group in 2011, adding an "S" to the acronym. Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia joined as full members on January 1, 2024. Indonesia joined on January 6, 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan enjoy partner country status.