JOHANNESBURG: While BRICS leaders have advocated for an expanded group, ongoing negotiations are encountering unforeseen obstacles, jeopardizing the endeavor to enhance the influence of the "Global South" on the global stage.

Deliberations are centered around the extent and pace of the bloc's enlargement. A reliable source has revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds reservations about enlarging the bloc and has instated novel admission criteria.

Over 40 nations have displayed interest in joining BRICS, with 22 having formally submitted admission requests. If an agreement to expand the current BRICS (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is reached, numerous interested countries could pursue membership.

Naledi Pandor, South Africa's Foreign Minister and host of the summit, stated, "We have achieved consensus regarding the expansion." She emphasized that the adopted document outlining guidelines, principles, and the processes for evaluating prospective BRICS members holds great promise. However,  leaders have not yet signed a definitive admission framework.

Regarding PM Modi's proposition of new admission criteria, a well-informed Indian official said, "India pushed for a consensus on criteria as well as the issue of candidate names. There was a broad understanding."

What are PM Modi's stipulations?: China, a prominent BRICS member, has persistently advocated for the bloc's expansion, aiming to establish a multipolar global order to counter Western supremacy. Similarly, Russia's President Vladimir Putin is also eager to demonstrate that he maintains amicable relationships with Western powers.

In contrast, both Brazil and India have been cultivating closer ties with Western nations. Both countries are inclined to decelerate the expansion process.

An official from a BRICS nation revealed that Modi's suggested admission criteria include a requirement for members not to be subject to international sanctions, thereby excluding potential contenders like Iran and Venezuela. Modi also proposed a minimum per capita GDP prerequisite.

"The introduction of these elements today by Modi is significant," the official remarked. "Thus, they might pose a hindrance."

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva rejected the notion that the bloc should aspire to rival the United States and the affluent Group of Seven economies on Tuesday.

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