BRICS is evolving with new members; differences will take time to resolve: Brazil FM Mauro Vieira

Vieira discussed the Brazil-India biofuel alliance, noting Brazil’s long experience with ethanol and the dual-fuel options in Brazil. He highlighted potential cooperation on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and maritime fuels as part of a broader push to balance energy policies and to advance climate-related objectives through BRICS collaboration.

Vieira clarified that President Lula did not advocate de-dollarisation or the creation of a BRICS currency. He said Lula was referring to the existing option of payments in local currencies in bilateral transactions, with no move against the dollar or other major payment systems.

Vieira indicated that a common BRICS position could be reached by the September 10-11, 2026 summit in India, reflecting the bloc’s aim to negotiate and finalize consensus before the gathering.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu published May 16, 2026, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira argued that BRICS’ diversity is a positive aspect and a sign of its ongoing evolution beyond the original five members. He noted progress in adapting to new methods of work for developing countries and expressed confidence that remaining differences may be resolved later in the year, potentially at the September 2026 summit in India. Vieira stressed that new BRICS members should share the same values and positions, including on Security Council reform.

Divergent positions between Iran and the UAE over the war in West Asia, which began on February 28, 2026, remained the main obstacle to a BRICS-wide consensus during the Delhi meeting. The differences illustrated the broader challenge of reconciling diverse member views within BRICS.

The BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Delhi, chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, concluded on May 15, 2026 with a detailed 63-paragraph Chair Statement. The ministers expressed support for Indian initiatives and for the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution. However, there was no consensus on the positions regarding Iran and the UAE over the war in West Asia, which began on February 28, 2026. The session reflected a push to reach a common line ahead of the India-hosted BRICS summit in September 2026 (September 10-11, 2026) under Prime Minister Modi.

The article notes that the BRICS expansion occurred two years prior, adding new members Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. All five new members were said to have agreed to share the same positions on key issues, including reform of the Security Council, as part of maintaining a common framework with the original five members.