At least 13 nations were granted the status of BRICS partner countries at the BRICS Summit hosted by the Russian city of Kazan in October, a spokesman for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.
"Thirteen countries were admitted as partner countries. This was a decision collectively taken by the BRICS countries. A partner country is different from full membership, that is what I understand. As for whether this particular issue has been closed or not at this point in time, this is my understanding that these 13 countries have become partner countries," Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
BRICS is an intergovernmental association created in 2006. Russia assumed the rotating presidency of the bloc on January 1, 2024. The year began with the accession of new members to the association. In addition to Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa, it now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, according to the website of the Russian 2024 BRICS Chairmanship. Saudi Arabia has not reportedly formalized its participation but has been taking part in BRICS meetings.