The number of countries applying for BRICS membership is increasing in 2026, confirms Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The alliances’ bold stand against the West and their questioning of its domination in the global financial market is what makes it lucrative for developing countries. Several nations have been knocking on its doors for expansion since 2022, after the US imposed sanctions on Russia.

More Countries Are Willing To Join the BRICS Alliance, Says Diplomat

Lavrov explained that the concept of the multipolar world is what’s drawing emerging economies towards the BRICS alliance. “There is interest, as people understand that BRICS is a prototype of the future multipolar world order,” he said. Being associated with the bloc comes with leverage, as it controls a portion of global oil and other critical minerals.

He also stressed that the demand to join BRICS has barely declined in the last five years. Countries that expressed interest in joining the bloc are still pursuing membership. Almost no one has backed out in seeking to be a part of the grouping. This shows that the bloc remains superior in its global stance, compared to other groups.

Also Read: BRICS Accelerates Dollar Exit, Yuan Settlements Jumps To $214 Billion

Lavrov stressed that the majority of countries that have applied to join BRICS see the US as an oppressor. “I do not see any decline in interest in BRICS as a result of pressure from Western countries, which, especially the United States, have publicly declared BRICS a public enemy number one to progress, whereas their idea of progress is everyone following Washington’s lead.”

“And I do not see any decline in interest in replenishing the ranks of our (BRICS) association, both in terms of membership and in terms of joining the group of partner countries,” Lavrov summed it up.