In a significant development, the BRICS alliance, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded its membership to include six more countries. The newly admitted members are Argentina, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

The announcement was made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during his address on August 24, as he unveiled the outcomes of the summit. This expansion marks a pivotal moment, as the BRICS group of emerging economies had been hinting at the possibility of inviting new members.

This strategic move holds the promise of creating opportunities for numerous interested nations to align themselves with a coalition dedicated to advancing the interests of the "Global South."

During his address, President Ramaphosa also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his support for the expansion in his speech. Prime Minister Modi advocated for a global order characterized by multiple poles of power and influence. He also took the opportunity to highlight India's remarkable achievements in space exploration, notably mentioning Chandrayaan-3.

Exclusion of Pakistan from BRICS: China's earlier push to include Pakistan within the BRICS fold had introduced a diplomatic challenge and added complexity to the ongoing proceedings. China's rationale behind this proposal was rooted in its belief that the BRICS alliance should encompass a broader membership, thereby accommodating more developing nations.

However, India's firm opposition posed a significant obstacle to this proposition. India had consistently expressed reservations about expanding BRICS' membership, citing concerns that such a move could dilute the alliance's core objectives and undermine the consensus established among its current constituents. India had notably opposed Belarus' bid for BRICS membership as well.

Nonetheless, on August 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced his support for the enlargement of the five-nation consortium. He emphasized India's unwavering commitment to nations of the Global South, particularly during its tenure as the head of the G20 presidency. This shift in India's stance marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the BRICS alliance, signaling a more inclusive and diversified direction for the bloc's future endeavors.

BRICS Prepares to Extend Membership Invitation to Saudi Arabia and Other Nations

PM Modi Expresses Concern Over Potential BRICS Expansion Leading to China's Dominance

BRICS Summit Day 2 PM Modis Bilateral Meeting with S.African President Cyril Ramaphosa