Indonesia Joins BRICS as Full Member: A New Era Begins with 10 New Partner Countries Welcomed

In a world constantly shifting under the weight of economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and geopolitical complexity, a fresh breeze of change has begun to blow from Rio de Janeiro. As the sun set over the 17th BRICS Summit, a heartfelt moment marked history — Indonesia officially joined BRICS as a full member. It wasn’t just a diplomatic event; it was a message to the world that unity, diversity, and shared progress still hold meaning. Alongside this, ten more nations were welcomed into the BRICS family as partner countries, a move that could redefine the structure of global power.

For a country like Indonesia, with its vibrant culture, emerging economy, and strategic positioning, this inclusion wasn’t just about diplomacy — it was about belonging. Belonging to a group that dares to dream of a fairer world order, of a system that speaks for the global south, and one that adapts to the dynamic needs of the 21st century.

Indonesia Becomes Full Member, 10 New Partners Join BRICS

Indonesia’s induction as a full BRICS member became the focal point of the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro. The summit also celebrated the inclusion of 10 new partner countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan — signaling a monumental expansion of the group. This expansion is not just geographical; it is deeply symbolic of BRICS’ evolving nature.

In the official joint declaration, leaders welcomed the Republic of Indonesia as a BRICS member and the ten nations as BRICS partner countries. These developments highlight the collective will to foster multipolar cooperation and challenge Western-dominated global systems. It sets a new stage for what BRICS aims to be — not just a group of large economies but a platform of equitable representation and mutual growth.

This expansion also offers these countries a seat at the table where critical global issues like climate change, technology governance, and healthcare justice are discussed not from a Western lens but from the perspective of developing nations that share similar challenges and aspirations.

BRICS 2025 Summit Highlights: New Declarations and Vision

Held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, the BRICS Summit 2025 was not just about expansion. It was also about direction. The leaders adopted key initiatives that underline the group’s growing ambitions — the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. These declarations prove that BRICS is not standing still; it is evolving to meet the future head-on.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his keynote speech during the Peace and Security session, passionately urged for immediate reform of outdated global institutions like the United Nations Security Council, the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks. His words echoed across the summit hall, “You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters.” He emphasized that just as BRICS has grown, so too must the institutions that govern the world.

This sentiment was not just political rhetoric. It resonated with the attending nations who have long felt underrepresented on the global stage. The summit became a powerful reminder that global governance must reflect global realities, and BRICS is taking steps toward making that happen.

The Evolution of BRICS: From BRIC to a Global Force

The story of BRICS began in 2006 as BRIC — Brazil, Russia, India, and China — and evolved into BRICS when South Africa joined in 2010. It was formed as a voice for emerging economies and a counterbalance to Western-led forums like the G7. Over the years, BRICS has grown from a loose economic bloc to a more structured platform discussing political reform, economic cooperation, and technological advancement.

In 2024, BRICS saw another expansion with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE becoming full members. Now in 2025, Indonesia joins as a full member, followed by the induction of ten partner countries. This expansion takes BRICS to a new frontier — nearly representing over half of the world’s population and a growing share of the global GDP.

With such inclusivity, the BRICS alliance is becoming a realistic challenger to the Western world order. As the world stares down climate crises, tech monopolies, and uneven development, BRICS appears as a beacon for multipolar cooperation rooted in respect, equality, and sovereignty.

The Road Ahead for BRICS and Global Power Balance

The expansion of BRICS is more than just news — it’s a strategic shift in the global power puzzle. The inclusion of countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eurasia adds a layer of diversity that the world desperately needs in its governance forums. With voices like Nigeria, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan at the table, BRICS can now truly reflect the pulse of the global south.

The concept of a BRICS currency is gaining momentum once again. With growing support for dedollarisation, member nations are exploring alternatives to SWIFT and USD-led trade systems. The rise of a BRICS currency could revolutionize trade settlements and protect emerging markets from global financial volatility.

Meanwhile, BRICS headquarters discussions continue, and the group’s commitment to cooperation in artificial intelligence, health equity, and climate finance solidifies its status as a forward-looking global bloc.

This expansion also strengthens India’s global diplomatic clout. As one of the founding nations, India’s proactive role in expanding BRICS showcases its rising stature in global leadership and its ability to mediate diverse alliances for peaceful and productive cooperation.

A Hopeful Beginning of a Stronger BRICS Era

As the curtain falls on the BRICS Summit 2025, it becomes clear that the group is no longer just a coalition of emerging economies. It is now a growing alliance for fairer global governance, reform-driven policies, and collective progress. Indonesia’s entry as a full member and the joining of ten new partners symbolize a fresh wave of hope for nations that have long been on the margins of global decision-making.

For every citizen in these BRICS and partner countries, this development means something more — a seat at the table, a voice in the room, and a say in shaping the future. In a world of complex challenges, BRICS stands as a powerful reminder that cooperation — not competition — is what drives true progress.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the official declaration and verified media reports from the 17th BRICS Summit. All information is accurate as of the date of publication. Readers are advised to refer to official BRICS statements for formal updates.

Had a good conversation with PM Phạm Minh Chinh of Vietnam on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil. pic.twitter.com/HQOgFjSJa8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2025

FAQs

Read Also

Israel Iran Ceasefire: Trump Declares End to 12-Day War Amid Missile Strikes and Global Uncertainty