BRICS+ represents the evolving institutional structure of the BRICS grouping as it expands beyond its original five members, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, into a broader platform for emerging and developing economies.

The BRICS+ framework is designed as a multi-tier engagement model, allowing countries to participate at different levels without immediate full membership, thereby balancing inclusivity with strategic cohesion.

At the core are the 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

These countries participate fully in BRICS summits, ministerial meetings, and institutions such as the New Development Bank (NDB), and collectively represent a major share of global population, energy resources, and economic growth.

Beyond full membership, BRICS has introduced a “Partner Country” category, forming the second tier of the BRICS+ structure. Partner countries engage in selected dialogues, sectoral cooperation, and development initiatives, serving as a preparatory stage for deeper integration. Countries identified under this engagement track include Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Nigeria, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, reflecting broad interest across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The third layer consists of aspirant and interested countries that have formally applied, publicly expressed interest, or are widely discussed as future candidates. These include Bangladesh, Algeria, Senegal, Venezuela, Turkey (Türkiye), Pakistan, Bahrain, Tunisia, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Syria, and several Latin American and African nations. In total, estimates suggest 30 or more countries are exploring some form of association with BRICS.

This layered BRICS+ structure allows the grouping to expand gradually while maintaining consensus-based decision-making. It also positions BRICS as a flexible, multipolar platform offering alternatives in development finance, trade cooperation, and global governance reform. As global interest continues to grow, BRICS+ is increasingly shaping itself not just as a bloc, but as a broad coalition of the Global South.

R Muthu Kumar