BRICS Welcomes 11th Member: Largest Muslim-Majority Country Now Part of Group

Sao Paulo (The Uttam Hindu): The BRICS group a coalition of the world's emerging economies, continues to expand with Indonesia joining as its 11th member. As the country with the largest Muslim population and Southeast Asia's largest economy Indonesia's membership was officially announced by Brazil the current president of BRICS on Tuesday.

Indonesia's candidacy was endorsed during the Johannesburg summit in 2023, leading to its formal inclusion in the bloc. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the development emphasizing Indonesia’s shared commitment to reforming global governance institutions alongside other BRICS members. "The Brazilian government welcomes Indonesia's entry into BRICS. As Southeast Asia's largest economy and most populous nation Indonesia supports reform of global institutions," the ministry stated.

BRICS was initially formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China with South Africa joining in 2010. The group expanded further in 2024 with the addition of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Indonesia's inclusion underscores BRICS' growing influence on the global stage.