The BRICS countries are considering inviting Saudi Arabia to join their ranks, Bloomberg reports.


Sources say that other countries from the Middle East, including Egypt, are also considering joining the organization, but at the time of the discussion late Wednesday, the list of countries had not yet been finalized. According to some participants, expanding the group could prove useful in countering the G7's dominance in global affairs.


The idea of expanding the BRICS group was mainly supported by China, Russia and South Africa. However, India has expressed outrage, believing that an increase in the number of members could lead to the BRICS becoming a predominantly Chinese instrument of influence. Brazil, for its part, fears that expansion could move the group away from partnership with Western countries.


It is projected that by 2040, the expanded BRICS will have 44% of the world economy, which exceeds the estimated share of the G7 countries' gross domestic product, which is currently 21%.


The network also reports, citing the President of South Africa, that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia have been officially invited to join the BRICS. Their membership will begin on June 1, 2024.