BRICS is expanding its influence by announcing the inclusion of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand from 1 January, according to bne IntelliNews.
The coalition formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa offers an alternative to alliances based on US dollar dominance. The expansion of the BRICS underscores growing ambitions to deepen ties in the Global South.
The inclusion of Indonesia strengthens the bloc’s demographic and economic clout, whereas the accession of Malaysia and Thailand reflects a strategic pivot towards Southeast Asia.
Partnering with three of the region’s six largest economies allows BRICS to gain greater influence in one of the world’s fastest growing economic corridors. Vietnam also expressed interest in joining BRICS as a partner country in November.
