The G8, one of the world's most exclusive clubs, is mulling expansion. The group spent part of its summit on Sea Island, Georgia, discussing the credentials of China and India.
Made up of only the biggest industrialised nations, its members are Britain, the US, Japan, France, Germany, Russia, Canada and Italy.
They also talked about holding meetings of a so-called G20 group that would better reflect the growing global importance of developing nations.
Better chance
Officials were keen to point out that talks were still at an early stage and the topic of expansion is one that has been mooted before.
But support for the plans are reported to be growing.
Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi referred to China and India by saying that: "It doesn't make much sense for us to talk about the economy of the future without two countries that are protagonists on the world stage".
"We shouldn't be afraid of China because it is a huge consumer market," he continued.
Canada's premier Paul Martin was equally upbeat about the G8 becoming more inclusive as he discussed plans for G20 meetings.
"Is it for today? No. Could it be done at the beginning of next year? I think so. The possibility is improving," he told reporters in the US.
Curtain call
The conference, called a feel good affair by the BBC's Jill McGivering, has ended with leaders agreeing some significant points.
They have rubber stamped plans to promote democracy in the Middle East and relieve the debt burden in Africa.
A debt relief scheme for the world's poorest countries will be extended by two years.
The G8 also promised to train tens of thousands of peacekeepers for Africa and called on Sudan to disarm militias in western Darfur.
However, there were signs of division over Iraq regarding how much of its debts should be written off and whether Nato should expand its role in the country.
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We should not be afraid of China 