BRICS gets new members: Bloc invites Iran, Saudi Arabia among others to join

After months of deliberations, six new nations have become the new members of the bloc including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt and UAE – this was announced by the host Cyril Ramaphosa in the ongoing BRICS summit 2023.

No details were given about the admission criteria, but there new entrants have been admitted without the requirement to go through a dialogue partnership or observer status first.

Influence of the original members – except China – is likely to be diluted. Including the geopolitical rivals Egypt and Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia and Iran may hinder decision-making. China has much to celebrate.

MORE >> WION (India): 6 new BRICS members.