Five member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in varying capacities, demonstrating a regional strategy of preserving strategic autonomy rather than making binary geopolitical choices, fulcrum.sg reported. Indonesia participated as a full member, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam attended as partner countries, and the Philippines joined as the 2026 ASEAN Chair.
Indonesia Secures Full BRICS Membership While Balancing Regional Ties
Indonesia entered the bloc in 2025, becoming the first ASEAN country to achieve full BRICS membership. President Prabowo used his appearance at the summit to champion national self-reliance, Global South unity, and enhanced cooperation within the grouping, according to fulcrum.sg.
#FMSugiono at the BRICS Plus Summit expressed Indonesia’s intention to join BRICS in Kazan, Russia (24/10). Indonesia reaffirmed the importance of global solidarity and called for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon.#FMSugiono highlighted BRICS’ role in strengthening… pic.twitter.com/w8r5t9cjVH
Jakarta maintains that BRICS operates as an additional instrument rather than a substitute for ASEAN or the G20. The country’s participation illustrates that the bloc accommodates states with extensive relationships spanning both the West and the emerging Global South.
Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam Expand Economic Options Through Partner Status
Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam engaged the summit through the partner countries category, a structured framework that does not require full membership. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim utilized the gathering to advance national economic interests, while Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung highlighted innovation, digital transformation, clean energy, and sustainable development.
Thailand participated at the foreign ministerial level through Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Bangkok views the partner mechanism as a channel for engagement with major emerging economies without abandoning its traditional relationships.
The Philippines Performs a Bridging Role as ASEAN Chair
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the New Delhi summit as head of state and the 2026 ASEAN Chair, accepting an invitation extended by India as the BRICS Chair. fulcrum.sg reported that this presence brought the ASEAN perspective to the gathering without necessarily implying ASEAN’s collective adherence to BRICS agendas.
The arrangement allowed India to broaden the bloc’s engagement with regional organisations from the Global South. It also confirmed that individual ASEAN members can interact with the bloc while maintaining the association’s long-standing policy of managing relationships among competing major powers rather than choosing between them.
New Delhi Declaration Opens New Avenues for Development Finance
The summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on September 12, 2026. The document aligns closely with ASEAN priorities, offering Southeast Asian economies new openings in development finance, South-South cooperation, and supply chain diversification.
The declaration highlights initiatives such as the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, the BRICS Pay initiative, and promotion of local currency trade and credit facilities. These tools provide developing nations with alternatives to traditional Western financial institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASEAN and BRICS
Why did ASEAN not join BRICS as a collective bloc?
ASEAN has no consensus on BRICS membership and traditionally avoids exclusive blocs or being forced to choose between competing powers. Individual member states instead use the platform to pursue national interests under the principle of ASEAN centrality.
What is the difference between full membership and partner status in BRICS?
Full membership grants integration into the bloc, a status Indonesia secured in 2025. Partner country status, utilized by Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, provides a structured relationship with the organization without requiring full membership.
What specific document was adopted at the New Delhi summit?
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration on September 12, 2026, outlining frameworks for resilient supply chains, technology, infrastructure, the energy transition, greater economic diversification, and global governance reform.
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