Which country formally applied for expanded BRICS membership in recent years and remained under discussion by 2026?

1. Japan
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Canada
4. Australia

Saudi Arabia formally submitted its interest in joining BRICS during the bloc’s 2023 expansion process and remained under consideration in 2026. The kingdom seeks to diversify international partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, admitted several new members in 2024 while keeping Saudi Arabia’s application pending due to internal deliberations.