TL;DR: Palestine has formally applied to become a full BRICS member. It is currently participating as a guest while awaiting an official response. The move comes amid growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood and is part of a wider diplomatic effort for global legitimacy.
Application and Current Status
- Palestine officially applied for full BRICS membership in late September 2025, confirmed by Ambassador Abdel Hafiz Nofal.
- The application was submitted through diplomatic channels, but BRICS has not issued a formal response yet.
- Due to “certain conditions,” Palestine will continue to participate in BRICS meetings as a guest.
- BRICS currently includes 10 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia.
International and Regional Context
- The application follows recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by Canada, Australia, Portugal, and the UK.
- China, a key BRICS member, welcomed Palestine’s request and called for openness to new "like-minded partners."
- Israel opposes Palestine’s efforts for international recognition through platforms like BRICS, viewing it as bypassing direct negotiations.
Strategic Motivation
- Palestinian officials see BRICS membership as a way to gain diplomatic recognition and access economic cooperation outside Western-led systems.
- President Mahmoud Abbas is working to deepen ties with Russia and other BRICS countries.
What’s Next
- Palestine will remain a guest at BRICS events until a decision is made.
- The issue may be discussed at future BRICS summits, including the 2026 summit.
- No timeline or specific conditions for membership have been publicly outlined.