As a founding member of the BRICS alliance, Russia has stated that countries seeking to join the alliance must avoid participating in any economic sanctions imposed by the West on any member of the alliance. The condition, shared by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, aims to counter restrictions imposed by the US, NATO, and the EU in response to the war in Ukraine.
Traditionally, BRICS focuses on geo-economics, advocating for reform of the global economic order and promoting trade among its members. However, geopolitical tensions arising from the conflict in Ukraine and the resulting Western sanctions against Russia have disrupted international trade, supply chains, and banking transactions, affecting the alliance members.
The implementation of this measure may strain relations within the BRICS alliance, as there is a chance that India, South Africa, and Brazil may not oppose Western restrictions. On the other hand, countries like India and China maintain significant trade relations with Russia, especially in oil and gas, often using various methods to circumvent the sanctions in place.
However, this condition may dampen the willingness of some potential new members to join the alliance. The issue is expected to be key at the BRICS+ meeting in St. Petersburg, which will take place in October.