Sergei Ryabkov, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Russia’s Sherpa for BRICS, indicated that discussions about broader BRICS expansion should wait until the Kazan summit. This stance was conveyed to the news agency TASS and reflects a preference for a staged approach to adding new members while preserving the group’s cohesion and agenda.
In response to inquiries about whether the expansion phase would continue during Russia’s presidency of BRICS, Ryabkov stressed the importance of creating a practical platform. Such a venue would allow countries interested in closer cooperation to work with tangible, action-oriented projects, rather than solely pursuing political declarations. He underscored that the pivotal decision on how to move forward with expansion should be deferred until the BRICS heads of state convene in Kazan, reinforcing the idea that consensus at the highest level is essential for any meaningful progression.
The diplomat further noted that initial steps must focus on integrating newly invited members into BRICS structures and processes. This practical integration would help ensure that any subsequent expansion is manageable, coherent, and capable of delivering concrete benefits to both existing members and newcomers.
There are indications that Nigeria plans to submit an official application to join BRICS. Such a development would add a significant new voice to the group’s deliberations, potentially influencing its economic and geopolitical priorities as it considers the shared interests of a broader, more diverse membership pool.
Meanwhile, China has previously described BRICS as a mission-oriented coalition that emphasizes cooperative development and shared growth. The evolving discussions around BRICS expansion echo long-standing themes within the bloc: a balance between expanding membership to reflect shifting global dynamics and maintaining practical, outcome-focused cooperation among partners.
From a regional perspective, observers in North America and across the BRICS member states are watching how the Kazan summit may shape the timetable for enlargement. The central question remains whether new entrants should be admitted in batches or through a more iterative process that tests compatibility and alignment of policy goals. Analysts suggest that successful expansion would require robust mechanisms for governance, transparent criteria for eligibility, and clear pathways for integrating financial, trade, and diplomatic arrangements. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen BRICS as a forum that can address shared challenges such as sustainable development, infrastructure financing, and innovation ecosystems while respecting the distinct interests of its members.