Politics

BRICS+ Expansion: Evaluating the Strength of the New Multipolar World Order

📅January 28, 2026 at 1:00 AM

📚What You Will Learn

  • Recent expansions and member list.Source 1Source 3
  • Economic and demographic strength.Source 2
  • Implications for global order.Source 5
  • Future under India's 2026 leadership.Source 4

📝Summary

BRICS+ has rapidly expanded from 5 to 11 full members by 2025, adding economic heft and global influence.Source 1Source 3 Representing nearly half the world's population and 40% of global GDP, it challenges Western dominance while fostering South-South cooperation.Source 2 As India leads in 2026, questions arise about managing growth and consensus.Source 4Source 5

ℹ️Quick Facts

  • 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia.Source 3
  • 10 partner countries including Vietnam, Nigeria, Kazakhstan.Source 3
  • ~40% of global GDP and half the world population.Source 2
  • Indonesia joined Jan 6, 2025, as first Southeast Asian member.Source 1

💡Key Takeaways

  • BRICS+ boosts multipolar world by amplifying Global South voice.Source 2Source 5
  • Economic power rivals G7, led by China and fast-growing India.Source 2
  • Consensus-based decisions key amid diverse politics.Source 4
  • Trade and investments surging, e.g., China-Brazil EV deals.Source 4
1

BRICS started as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) in 2006, adding South Africa in 2011.Source 3 The big leap came in 2023-2025: invitations to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE.Source 1 By Jan 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE joined, hitting 9 members; Indonesia made it 10 on Jan 6, 2025; Saudi Arabia followed.Source 1Source 3

In Oct 2024 Kazan Summit, 13 partners invited: Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia (pre-full), Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.Source 1Source 3 Vietnam became the 10th partner recently.Source 3 This tier allows engagement without full membership.

2

BRICS+ packs ~half world's population, with India most populous.Source 2 It holds ~40% global GDP, outpacing G7 in some metrics; India now 4th largest economy.Source 2

Energy giants (Saudi, Russia, Iran, UAE) and mineral powerhouses dominate.Source 2 Intra-BRICS trade booms: Chinese EV investments in Brazil signal real economic ties.Source 4 This scale challenges unipolar dominance.

3

BRICS+ promotes mutual respect, South-South cooperation for inclusive governance.Source 3Source 4 Brazil's 2025 summit themed 'strengthening Global South'.Source 4 It counters Western institutions via New Development Bank, local currencies.

India leads 2026, balancing BRICS with QUAD ties to US, Japan, Australia.Source 2Source 5 Amid disruptions, BRICS gains heft despite diverse systems.Source 2

4

Consensus rule strains with 11 members +10 partners; mechanisms needed.Source 4 Political divergences (e.g., Iran sanctions) test unity.Source 1

Yet, expansion adds weight. By end-2025, BRICS+ is larger, influential, complex.Source 4 India's 2026 presidency key to turning ambitions into sustained growth.Source 4Source 5 Will it solidify multipolarity?Source 2

5

Over 30 nations want in, signaling shift from US-led order.Source 3 BRICS+ fosters equitable global rules, tech, energy cooperation.Source 2

For multipolar world: more voices, less hegemony. Watch 2026 for next steps.Source 5

⚠️Things to Note

  • Saudi Arabia joined after initial delay; Argentina opted out.Source 1Source 2
  • Over 30 countries sought entry, leading to partner category.Source 3
  • India hosts BRICS 2026 and QUAD, balancing alliances.Source 2
  • Challenges in coordination with 11 members + 10 partners.Source 4
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