BRICS has welcomed six new member countries: Argentina, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

BRICS, which initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded its membership to include six more countries: Argentina, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Egypt, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.. This expansion reflects the growing influence and importance of the BRICS group on the global stage and opens up opportunities for increased cooperation and collaboration among these nations.

China's effort to include Pakistan in the BRICS alliance has added a diplomatic challenge and added complexity to the ongoing discussions. China's motivation for this move is rooted in its belief that the BRICS alliance should encompass a broader range of member countries, including more developing nations.

However, this proposal faced a significant obstacle due to India's strong opposition. India had previously resisted any attempts to expand BRICS membership, voicing concerns that such enlargement could dilute the alliance's core objectives and undermine the existing consensus among its present members. India had even opposed Belarus' previous bid for BRICS membership.

“India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership. And welcomes moving forward with consensus in this,” said PM Narendra Modi, adding that BRICS will be breaking barriers, revitalising economies, inspiring innovation, creating opportunities, and shaping the future.