BRICS Countries: All Full Members and Partner Nations

1. What Is BRICS?

BRICS is an international group originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to coordinate on global political and economic issues. Its core mission is strengthening cooperation among Global South countries and reforming institutions like the UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.

2. BRICS Membership as of Mid‑2025

• Original members (from 2009–2010): Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

• New full members admitted in 2024–2025:

  • Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates (effective January 1, 2024)

  • Indonesia (effective January 6, 2025) 

Together they make ten full members, including: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia. 

3. Partner Countries (BRICS +)

The BRICS expansion introduced a new category called partner countries in late 2024. As of January 2025, there are nine confirmed partner nations which participate in forums and endorse declarations, but without full voting rights.

Current partner countries are:
Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan. 

4. Why the Expansion Matters

• Economic and demographic weight: With ten members and nine partners, BRICS now represents roughly 45 % of global population and over 40 % of world GDP (PPP). 

• Enhanced influence: The group now wields significant power in commodity markets, infrastructure, global trade, and critical minerals.

• Alternatives to Western-dominated systems: The bloc promotes local currency settlements, payment tools, and finance via institutions like the New Development Bank. 

5. Leadership and Future Agenda

• BRICS holds a rotating presidency; in 2025, Brazil holds the chairmanship.

• Brazil’s agenda includes:

  • Promoting Global South cooperation

  • Reforming financial governance and payment systems

  • Supporting climate finance, public health, AI governance, peace and security, and institutional development

  • Hosting over 100 technical meetings leading up to the Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025 

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FAQs

Q1: How many full members does BRICS have now?

A1: Ten full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

Q2: What are BRICS partner countries?

A2: A category begun at the Kazan summit in October 2024. Partner countries can participate in meetings and endorse declarations but are not full members. As of January 2025, nine countries (e.g., Malaysia, Nigeria) are confirmed partners.

Q3: What share of global GDP and population does BRICS represent?

A3: Roughly 45 % of the world’s population and over 40 % of global GDP (PPP). In nominal GDP terms, the bloc exceeds USD 28 trillion. 

Q4: Why does BRICS matter geopolitically?

A4: It challenges Western-led global institutions and seeks greater voice for the Global South. BRICS also promotes infrastructure financing in local currencies and explores alternatives to the dollar-dominated system. 

Q5: What is Brazil’s role in BRICS in 2025?

A5: Brazil holds the rotating presidency in 2025. Its priorities: inclusive governance, trade and investment reforms, climate finance, global health cooperation, AI regulation, peace and security architecture, and institutional development. Over 100 ministerial and technical events lead up to the July summit in Rio.