Expansion of BRICS and use of national currency are among key agendas of the discussion in the 15th BRICS Summit beginning here from Tuesday, India’s BRICS Sherpa Dammu Ravi told ANI in an interview.

The 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service, who is currently serving as Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “There are many issues that will be discussed in the Summit, including next expansion of Brics on the agenda and use of national currency for trading and economic activity amongst the BRICS member countries.”

“As far as the agenda is concerned, there are many issues that are being discussed and also reported mostly the next expansion item on the agenda. And second, is the use of national currency for trading and economic activity amongst the BRICS countries,” Ravi said.

Explaining in detail, the officer, said BRICS expansion discussion is going on for the last two years.

“Earlier there was no thought that Brics would be extended. As the world is changing in the 21st century, all the developing countries together decided for the expansion of Brics keeping in mind their agenda items and economic development,” said the IFS officer. “But, for this, guidelines, as well as criteria, are needed.”

As per Ravi, India has been “constructive” in this work and we have taken the first initiative at the Sherpa level. “Currently, we cannot say which country can be part of the expansion. It will be decided after thorough discussion by all the leaders and the country which has to be brought into Brics. Before the expansion, it would be kept in mind that the country can cooperate in the development and in the expansion of BRICS.”