Tensions Between China and India as New Delhi Becomes Spoiler of the BRICS Party

Officials at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg said bloc expansion was driven by China as it seeks a platform to oppose the West, frustrating India.

BRICS volunteers hold signs at the international arrivals terminal at the OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, South Africa, on Aug. 21, 2023. Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—China, Russia, and South Africa have won a battle to expand the BRICS bloc of emerging market economies, but their plan to establish a gold-backed currency to rival the United States dollar has stalled.

Current BRICS members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and they held their 15th annual summit in Johannesburg from Aug. 22–Aug. 24.