Since its inception in 2009, the BRICS alliance has consisted of five nations and has stayed thus for the past 15 years. However, things changed last year when the organization asked six more countries to join the alliance.
Invitations were sent to Saudi Arabia, Argentina, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia for the 15th summit in August last year. While Argentina rejected membership, Saudi Arabia has put the decision on hold. The remaining four new member countries will join BRICS in 2024.
BRICS currently consists of new and old members, with each country being distinct. However, things are deteriorating as geopolitical perspectives differ between existing and new members. The main contention between the old and new BRICS members is India’s permanent position on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Old, New BRICS Members Seek UNSC Seat
India hopes to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The new members are dissatisfied with the development. Brazil and South Africa, two long-standing UNSC members, endorse India’s position. However, the new members contradict India’s stance in the UN Security Council, while Egypt and Ethiopia vie for a seat.
According to a source close to the process, the old members admitted the new, emphasizing the need to support India’s stance in the UN Security Council. Despite the initial agreement, the new members are focused on their own seats rather than India’s goals.
“When new members were admitted to the BRICS grouping last year, a formula was introduced suggesting that all new members should agree to India, Brazil, and South Africa’s aspirations for becoming permanent members of the UNSC. But some of the new members, such as Egypt and Ethiopia, are now protesting against it as they themselves are aspirants for UNSC membership,” said a source to The Hindu Business Line.
Source: Coinxposure.
