JOHANNESBURG: Six new countries will become members of BRICS from next year. At present, India, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa are members of BRICS. The new decision was taken at the 15th summit held in South Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the names of the new member states.

The new members are Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Argentina. However, the decision to add Pakistan was not implemented after India strongly blocked China's attempt. India opposed all the arguments of China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance of expansion through consensus received support.

Narendra Modi said that the expansion and modernization of BRICS is a sign of a changing world. Cyril Ramaphosa said that the membership will be effective from January 2024. Narendra Modi also spoke about the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3.