Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed full support for the expansion of BRICS membership during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.
- Over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS, and several others have expressed interest in becoming part of the bloc.
- Modi proposed that all BRICS nations and the African Union become permanent members of the G20, a subject given high priority by India during its G20 Presidency.
- Modi highlighted the achievements of BRICS, including the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and initiatives such as the BRICS satellite constellation, vaccine R&D center, and mutual recognition of pharma products.
- Modi called for closer cooperation in areas such as education, skills development, technology, and protection of big cats between the BRICS countries.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, the host of the summit, congratulated India on its successful moon landing and expressed support for the skills development proposal. He also emphasized the importance of the global south in the BRICS agenda and wished India success in hosting the G20 summit.