The expansion of the BRICS group and the growing interest from new members to join speak for themselves, confirming the status and significance of this union. This was stated by Jaishankar in a written response to parliamentary queries regarding the current state of BRICS amid the "tariff threat from the United States."
Jaishankar reminded that after its founding by four countries – Brazil, Russia, India, and China – South Africa joined the group a few years later. Since then, BRICS has continued to expand with new members and partner countries.
"The expansion of membership and the interest displayed by many aspiring members is itself a statement of its status and importance," he stated.
"Their meetings and discussions are aimed at finding common ground and working together to shape the global order. Their common thread is the commitment to multi-polarity," he added.
The BRICS group was founded in 2006. In 2011, South Africa joined the initial group of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia became full members on January 1, 2024. On January 6, 2025, Indonesia will join BRICS as a full member. As of January 1, the following countries officially became BRICS partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria (as of January 17).