Leaders from the BRICS group of major emerging economies are set to meet this week in South Africa to discuss pressing international issues as the grouping seeks to provide an alternative model to the U.S.-led Group of Seven.
But while plans to expand the bloc and boost payments in local currencies will top the agenda, divisions among BRICS nations over the geopolitical direction of the grouping are likely to slow any enlargement efforts, experts say.
Participating in the three-day summit, which was set to start Tuesday in Johannesburg, will be South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.