India takes lead in forging consensus on selection of new BRICS members

India has taken the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members of Brics at the leaders retreat on Tuesday night at Johannesburg in the backdrop of growing interest from the emerging economies to join the group.

India's efforts were guided by its objective to incorporate its strategic partners as new members, ET has learnt. Among India's strategic partners who have applied or shown interest to join Brics are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Indonesia. India and Iran have also discussed Tehran's desire to join Brics.

ET had earlier reported that Brics expansion will top the agenda of the summit under South African presidency. Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra on Monday said India has an open mind on expansion of Brics.

India had always felt that proper criteria and number of new members should be agreed before random expansion of the group. Russia had backed India's position on the issue of expansion, high-level sources told ET, adding that Brics should not be pitted against either QUAD or G-7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the leaders' retreat along with his counterparts from China, South Africa and Brazil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not travelled to Johannesburg for the annual summit of Brics-an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. He was present at the retreat via online format.

South Africa has invited several prospective members of the Brics for the ongoing summit. Over 20 countries including Argentina, have expressed interest in joining the Brics. Brazil has backed its neighbour Argentina's desire to join the group.