Is Russia and China pushing for a BRICS expansion in 2025, and why not other countries? The future of the BRICS alliance is under discussion. On, BRICS – the intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – recently admitted new members. The BRICS alliance invited six new countries to join the bloc in 2025. However, not all invitations were accepted. Out of the 6, only nations entered the alliance while Argentina rejected the membership and Saudi Arabia accepted. Now, questions arise about future expansion.

Reports suggest China and Russia want to expand the BRICS alliance in 2025 to financially strengthen the alliance and counter the United States and other Western allies. However, the focus seems to be on specific nations. Why? The strategic partnership between Russia and China plays a significant role in shaping the direction of BRICS. Their shared geopolitical goals, including challenging the dominance of the US dollar and promoting a multipolar world, influence their preferences for expansion. Therefore, their focus is on admitting countries that align with these objectives. This means carefully considering the economic stability and political alignment of potential new members. The ongoing geopolitical landscape and the desire for a stronger, more unified BRICS bloc means that while expansion is desired by some, not all countries are considered suitable at this time.

The criteria for BRICS membership are evolving. While economic size and growth potential remain important, political considerations, such as alignment with the BRICS agenda, are becoming increasingly significant. The decision-making process involves careful deliberation among the existing members, and consensus is required for any new additions. Therefore, the question of why some countries are being prioritized over others reflects the complex interplay of economic and political factors within the BRICS alliance.