Abstract. The article presents an analysis of priorities, initiatives and key outcomes of the rotating presidency of Russia in BRICS in the context of internal and external challenges facing or likely to arise before this informal inter-state association in the nearest future. The author focuses on member countries joint work within various organizational formats, giving institutional features to the club character of BRICS, as well as new functions of the association in connection with the expansion of permanent membership and inclusive opportunities of different types of partnerships.