The BRICS economic coalition, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will expand to include three new member states starting January 1. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand will join as partner countries, signaling the bloc’s growing ambition to strengthen ties across the Global South.
As the fourth most populous country in the world, Indonesia adds significant demographic and economic weight to BRICS, while the inclusion of Malaysia and Thailand underscores the bloc’s strategic pivot toward Southeast Asia.
With Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta representing three of the top six economies in the region, their partnership further enhances BRICS’ reputation in one of the fastest-growing economic corridors globally. The expansion marks a pivotal step in the coalition’s efforts to broaden its influence and foster deeper cooperation in emerging markets.