The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will mark a significant milestone in the history of the BRICS grouping. For the first time, the summit will host an expanded grouping of 11 members and 10 partner countries, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and influential global alliance. Originally formed in 2006 as an association of four major emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, and China BRICS aimed to foster cooperation and challenge the dominance of Western powers in global affairs. In 2011, South Africa joined the group, further strengthening its representation and influence. From 2024 to 2025, BRICS underwent a transformative expansion, admitting six new members Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and rebranding itself as BRICS+. This move reflects the group's ambition to become a more inclusive and representative platform for the Global South, encompassing a diverse range of economies, cultures, and geopolitical interests. The expansion of BRICS+ is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Global South, which has long sought greater representation and influence in global decision-making processes. By bringing together a diverse group of nations, BRICS+ aims to amplify the voices of developing and emerging economies, promoting their interests on issues such as trade, investment, climate change, and sustainable development.