“I am of the opinion that as many countries want to enter, if they are in compliance with the rules we are establishing, we will accept the countries’ entrance”, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday regarding the expansion of BRICS which currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. According to
Herald, around 20 countries have formally applied to join the bloc, among them are Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iran and Venezuela.
As the largest economy in South America, Brazil holds strategic significance in the region and beyond. Lula's backing for BRICS expansion could bring more countries from Latin America and other continents into the fold, diversifying the alliance's expertise and perspectives.
Lula's remarks came a few days after India dismissed reports that New Delhi opposes the expansion of the BRICS grouping,
Swarajya Mag reported. India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, dismissed the baseless speculation that India has reservations against the expansion of BRICS. He stated this during a media briefing, emphasizing that such claims are simply not true.
India's participation in BRICS has facilitated cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and technology exchange. As an emerging economic powerhouse and a significant player in South Asia, India's collaboration within an expanded BRICS framework could contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
