BRICS Leaders to Discuss Expansion at the August Summit

BRICS Leaders to Discuss Expansion at the August Summit

BRICS leaders are gearing up for a significant discussion on the organization's expansion, according to the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. The August summit promises crucial talks about the expansion of the bloc, with more than twelve countries looking forward to being accepted as new members. 

Over 20 Nations Seek BRICS Membership

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has confirmed that the leaders of the five BRICS members  (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) will discuss the expansion of the bloc at the summit scheduled for August. Ramaphosa spoke to SABC radio: 

"As we speak now, close to 20 or so others want to join BRICS, and they want us to admit them into the BRICS family. So, at this summit, we are also going to be discussing the prospect of whether BRICS grows beyond the five countries or not."

Media reports and official statements indicate strong interest from various nations to become BRICS members. Formal applications have been submitted by 13 countries, while an additional six have informally inquired about membership, according to South Africa's Ambassador to the group, Anil Sooklal.

The Russian Tass news agency indicated in a report quoting a senior government official as having revealed to the Business Standard Daily of India that BRICS is likely to accept five new members. The potential inductees include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Egypt, and Argentina.

Summit Set to Welcome New BRICS Members 

Cyril Ramaphosa will be hosting and chairing the BRICS summit in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. However, the presence of Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, remains uncertain. The International Criminal Court's indictment over the war in Ukraine, and the recent fallout from the Wagner mutiny, have led to uncertainty over Putin's travel plans to South Africa as reported by the Moscow Times.

Despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, Ramaphosa is committed to holding an in-person meeting and has already invited the leaders of the other four member states. Russia has turned down a South African request to send Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov instead of Putin, to the summit. 

Paul Mashatile, Ramaphosa's deputy, said:

“We understand we are bound by the Rome Statute, but we can’t invite someone and then arrest them. You can understand our dilemma.” 

However, Ramaphosa remains determined to address the expansion plans. 

What is your take on the BRICS nations accepting new members at their August summit? Please share your expectations in the comments section below.