23 countries show interest in BRICS membership in 2025

BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, was established to provide a platform for cooperation between some of the world’s largest emerging economies. Over the years, the coalition has focused on promoting peace, security and development while pushing for de-dollarization for more than a decade. As reported by the Russian news agencyseveral nations are considering joining the BRICS coalition this year, reflecting countries’ desire to rethink and diversify their geopolitical alliances.

Assistant to the Russian president, Yuri Ušakov, said that the door of the association remains open to like-minded countries. BRICS has currently attracted the interest of more than twenty countries, including Cambodia, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Sri Lanka, Syria, Venezuela, Laos, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

The president emphasized that uncontrolled expansion would threaten the foundations of the association. Instead, BRICS advocates a gradual, coordinated and well-planned approach, reflecting the steps taken during its presidency.

This year, Brazil assumed the presidency of the BRICS group, emphasizing strengthening relations with partner countries and promoting initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on the dollar. Led by Brazil, the annual BRICS summit is expected to take place as early as July 2025.

The 2024 BRICS Summit marked a significant milestone, welcoming new countries and highlighting the growing interest among nations seeking alternatives to Western-dominated trade and currency models. Notable participants in this expanding coalition include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

BRICS is making progress in its de-dollarization plan

BRICS is currently considering the establishment of a G20-like structure to improve cooperation and address issues specific to the alliance. The Group of 20 (G20) it consists of 19 sovereign nations together with representatives of the EU and AU, addressing key global economic and financial challenges. Although all BRICS countries are members of the G20, the coalition seeks to form its own group that will prioritize initiatives closely aligned with BRICS goals.

This new framework may deliberately exclude Western nations, allowing BRICS to focus on key areas such as local currency trading and other strategies that resonate with its goals.

This development comes amid an ultimatum from US President-elect Donald Trump, who has warned of punitive measures against any country that undermines the dollar. He threatened to impose high tariffs and trade barriers on BRICS countries that take such measures.

Adding complexity to the situation, Turkeydespite being a member of NATO and aiming to be the first nation to join both alliances, it has decided not to pursue membership in BRICS. After advocating for membership throughout the year, Turkey ultimately rejected the initial offer presented to it.

In a similar development, Saudi Arabia decided to suspend its membership process after previously agreeing to discussions during the annual summit in 2023. This decision further complicates the challenges facing the BRICS economic bloc during its formative stages.