The latest BRICS summit, held in Kazan, Russia, may have been on home ground for Moscow, but the atmosphere was far from warm. Despite being official members, Russia and Iran were visibly sidelined during key discussions and events, raising questions about their real standing in the growing economic alliance.
This year’s BRICS meeting included Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. It was expected to showcase the bloc’s rising influence. Instead, it revealed growing differences, with Russia and Iran appearing more like uncomfortable guests than equal partners.
A Changing BRICS Landscape
BRICS was formed in 2009 to offer an alternative to Western-led financial systems. As the group grows in size and influence, internal power balances are shifting. China and India now lead most of the group’s direction, while countries like Russia, weakened by war and sanctions, are struggling to maintain relevance.
Iran, which officially joined BRICS in 2024, hoped its entry would open doors for broader cooperation. But its tough relations with the West, economic troubles, and limited global trade connections have made it a complicated partner for the rest of the group.
According to political analyst Dr. Aisha Khan, “The expansion of BRICS was meant to increase global balance. But what we are seeing is more of a two-tier system where countries like China and India lead, and others follow.”
Russia: Host But Not the Star
Being the host of this year’s summit gave Russia a chance to show strength and leadership. But many noticed that Russia had little impact on the most important discussions.
Key sessions focused on trade partnerships between China and India, digital currency development, and infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, Russia leaned heavily into energy deals and defense talks, which many BRICS members approached with caution due to global tensions.
Elena Morozova, a Moscow-based economist, said, “Russia is still important, but it’s seen as a risky partner. Even within BRICS, there’s caution about going too deep with a country under heavy sanctions.”
Iran: The Awkward Newcomer
Iran saw BRICS membership as a big win. But at its first full summit, the country found itself on the edge of major conversations.
President Ebrahim Raisi had only brief and polite interactions with other leaders. No serious trade talks took place with countries like India or Brazil. Chinese officials were reported to have avoided committing to any long-term business deals with Tehran.
“Iran is learning that BRICS membership doesn’t mean instant acceptance,” said Middle East policy expert Reza Fahimi. “The group is pragmatic. It doesn’t want to inherit Iran’s problems.”
Iran also faces a tough position within BRICS. Many member countries, especially the UAE and Egypt, have better relations with Iran’s regional rivals. That reality keeps Iran from gaining deeper trust and cooperation within the group.
China and India Take the Lead
China and India clearly led the summit this year, especially in discussions on digital currencies, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. South Africa and Brazil acted more as diplomatic voices, while others listened and observed.
Russia and Iran were left out of most conversations on high-tech and economic innovation. The BRICS digital currency platform, one of the summit’s key projects, is mainly being developed by China with India’s support. There is little sign that Russia or Iran are involved in these early stages.
“China and India have markets, money, and tech,” said BRICS analyst Leo Santos. “That gives them the real power in the room.”
A Club with Unequal Members?
As BRICS becomes bigger, experts are warning that the group is becoming more divided. The original five countries had more balanced roles, but now the alliance includes nations with very different goals and economic strength.
Some question whether BRICS should stay a loose partnership focused on trade or try to become a formal alternative to the G7. For that to happen, unity and trust are needed — both of which seemed to be missing in this year’s summit.
What’s Next for Russia and Iran?
Russia and Iran are likely to keep pushing for stronger roles within BRICS, especially as both face isolation from the West. But unless they can offer more in terms of economic growth, technology, or political stability, their voices may continue to be ignored.
“Membership alone doesn’t give you influence,” said Dr. Khan. “You need trust, investment, and results — things Russia and Iran struggle to deliver right now.”
Both countries tried to spin the summit in a positive light. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called it a “fruitful dialogue,” while Iranian media praised Raisi’s leadership. Still, the overall message was hard to miss: BRICS is moving forward, and some members are clearly more central than others.
Conclusion
The BRICS summit in Kazan revealed more than growing global ambitions. It showed the real gaps between members, especially between those with global economic weight and those burdened by sanctions or regional .
For Russia and Iran, the summit served as a reminder that influence in BRICS, like in any international group, must be earned. Without stronger partnerships and meaningful contributions, they risk becoming permanent outsiders in an alliance they hoped would elevate their global status.
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