The leaders of the BRICS nations decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the new members of the grouping, sealing a long-drawn process.

• The decision was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a joint media briefing along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
• The new members will become part of BRICS with effect from January 1, 2024, Ramaphosa announced.
• He said the decision on the new members were agreed upon after firming up the guiding principles, criteria and procedures for the expansion process. 
• India has supported the expansion of the BRICS group.
• The decision was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a joint media briefing