Fact Check: The BRICS bloc expanded to include new member countries in 2024.

Fact Check: "The BRICS bloc expanded to include new member countries in 2024."

What We Know

The BRICS coalition, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa, has been actively pursuing expansion. At the 2023 BRICS summit, six countries—Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—were formally invited to join the bloc. However, as of 2024, Argentina has opted not to join following a change in government, and Saudi Arabia is still considering its membership (source-1). Therefore, while the bloc has made moves towards expansion, it has not officially added any new members in 2024.

Analysis

The claim that the BRICS bloc expanded to include new member countries in 2024 is misleading. Although the bloc has invited new members, the actual membership changes have not yet taken effect. As noted, Argentina declined the invitation, and Saudi Arabia's status remains uncertain (source-1). Furthermore, the only confirmed new member as of 2024 is Indonesia, which joined in 2025, not 2024 (source-1).

The sources used for this analysis are credible, coming from the World Economic Forum, which is known for its thorough reporting on global economic issues. However, the potential for bias exists as the organization may have a vested interest in portraying BRICS positively, given its focus on international cooperation and economic development.

Conclusion

The verdict is False. The claim that the BRICS bloc expanded to include new member countries in 2024 is inaccurate, as no new members have officially joined the bloc during that year. The only confirmed expansion is set for 2025 with Indonesia's membership, and the status of other invited countries remains unresolved.

Sources

1. BRICS: Here’s what to know about the international bloc
2. Five questions about the BRICS nations | World Economic Forum
3. What is the state of the BRICS economies? | World Economic Forum
4. BRICS in Expansion - The World Economic Forum
5. The next ten years of BRICS - will the relationship last?
6. BRICS' New Development Bank turns four: what has it achieved?
7. 5 factors limiting the impact of the BRICS nations
8. What is China’s role in the BRICS? | World Economic Forum