Brazil announces Indonesia's BRICS entry to strengthen Global South cooperation

Brazil’s government said in a statement on Monday that Indonesia is formally joining BRICS as a full member, further expanding the group of major emerging economies that also includes Russia, India, China and South Africa.

As the world’s fourth most populous nation, Indonesia had sought membership to strengthen the coalition of emerging nations and advance the interests of the Global South.

Brazil set to preside over the bloc in 2025, confirmed that member states unanimously approved Indonesia’s entry, building on the expansion framework agreed upon at the 2023 Johannesburg summit.

The South American nation noted that Indonesia’s bid got the green light from the bloc in 2023 but the Asian country asked to join following the presidential election held last year. President Prabowo Subianto took office in October.

”Indonesia shares with the other members of the group support for the reform of global governance institutions, and contributes positively to the deepening of cooperation in the Global South,” the Brazilian government said.

The BRICS group also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The alliance that initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has expanded to embrace Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied to become members, and several other countries have expressed interest in joining.

The group now accounts for 45% of the world’s population and 35% of its economy, based on purchasing power parity, though China accounts for more than half of its economic might.

With inputs from agencies.