South African officials say more than 40 countries have shown some level of interest in joining the BRICS from across the"Global South", a broad term referring to nations outside the West.
Analysts say China, the most powerful of the BRICS economically, is eager to rapidly grow the club into something of a counterpoint to the G7 group of wealthy democracies. "Beijing views BRICS as a very unique venue for expanding its influence globally," said Hart, a fellow at the Washington DC-based think tank.Russia and South Africa also support adding new members but this desire runs counter to India, the other major power in the BRICS, and an economic and geopolitical rival of China.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday said he supported the entry of"several countries", including Argentina.