This decision fulfills a campaign promise to reorient Argentina's foreign policy towards closer ties with the West.

In a letter dated December 22, publicly released on Friday, President Milei conveyed to the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa that the current timing for Argentina's membership in the BRICS bloc was deemed inopportune. The letter emphasized that Milei's approach to foreign affairs differs substantially from that of the previous government, hinting at a comprehensive review of decisions made by his predecessors.

President Milei, a self-described anarcho-libertarian, has been actively pursuing radical economic reforms since assuming office in December. His foreign policy agenda diverges from the prior administration's efforts to strengthen ties with other developing countries, as he aims to align Argentina more closely with Western nations.

Former center-left President Alberto Fernandez had advocated for Argentina's inclusion in BRICS as a strategic move to enhance economic relations with the bloc, whose member countries collectively account for approximately 25 percent of the world's GDP. The planned inclusion date for Argentina was set for January 1, 2024.

BRICS, originally known as BRIC until South Africa joined in 2011, represents a group of five major emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Coined by Jim O'Neill in 2001, the BRICS nations are recognized for their rapidly developing economies and their potential to influence global and regional relations. All five countries are members of the G20 and have convened annual summits since 2009, with the most recent summit taking place in South Africa in 2018. (ILKHA)