BRICS Countries & Summit UPSC CSE
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BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation of developing economies that aims at enhancing economic cooperation and trade, promoting sustainable development, as well as facilitating political cooperation among the member countries. Founded as BRIC in 2009 at its first summit in Russia by a group of four countries, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, and China. With the addition of South Africa in 2010 it finally became BRICS. Further expansion of BRICS was done at the 15th BRICS Summit at Johannesburg, South Africa in 2023 where Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egyp and Ethiopia joined. Together, the grouping accounts for roughly 30% of the global GDP, 20% of the exports, and 45% of the world’s population.
BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation of developing economies that aims at enhancing economic cooperation and trade, promoting sustainable development, as well as facilitating political cooperation among the member countries. It is an acronym for an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was originally known as "BRIC" before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.
The first BRIC summit was held in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Some of the key initiatives taken by BRICS are -
BRICS countries represent about 40% of the world's population and nearly 25% of global GDP. BRICS serves as a platform for emerging economies to voice their concerns and influence decisions in global financial institutions.
The concept of BRICS as a grouping emerged with the need for a multilateral institution to represent the concerns of the global south at the international level. Brazil, Russia, India, and China were recognised as rapidly developing economies which were projected to be world leaders and hence natural partners. Together they could utilise their untapped economic potential through collaboration and utilising each other’s markets.
BRICS as an intergovernmental organisation consists of 10 member countries which include Brazil, Russia, India, and China, South Africa, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Ethiopia. In the last couple of years, BRICS has expanded its scope and presence, and is now increasingly being seen as an organisation of the Global South, standing against the hegemony of the United States and the G7 countries in global affairs, pushing for WTO reforms and mitigation of climate change, etc. Since its inception, BRICS has worked towards a multipolar global order
The BRICS nations collaborate and cooperate at various levels. The Bloc tries to leverage its rising position of influence in the global economic ladder to shape and affect international policies in their favour. The cooperation of BRICS member countries can be seen by the establishment of the
In 2023, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Ethiopia joined the organisation. Argentina had also joined but backed out later.
BRICS member countries account for approximately 43% of the global population making BRICS and its member nations the largest markets in the world. The scope of this partnership and also membership has evolved from merely economic concerns to sustainable development and addressing geopolitical challenges through effective diplomatic dialogues. The BRICS therefore has the potential to show the light towards a true multilateralism in a highly polarised world order.For India, the significance of BRICS lies not only in increasing trade but also in strategic partnerships against terrorism and the collaborative efforts of the New Development Bank. Recent BRICS summits, encapsulated in declarations like Johannesburg and Beijing show commitment to a democratic and inclusive international system. The expansion of BRICS to include Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Ethiopia attests to its growing influence and a commitment to addressing global challenges collectively.
The 10th Meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers was conducted in a hybrid format under the Chair of the Russian Federation on June 28, 2024.
This was the first meeting of BRICS Environment Ministers following the addition of five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded in 2024 to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, forming BRICS+. This expansion significantly boosts the bloc's global influence, representing nearly half of the world's population and 30% of global GDP. BRICS+ aims to champion the interests of the Global South, offering an alternative to Western-dominated economic models and pushing for reforms in international institutions like the IMF and World Bank. The group seeks to foster South-South cooperation, emphasizing sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and technological innovation. It also positions itself as a counterbalance to the unipolar world order, promoting a multipolar global landscape and bridging the Global South with the Global North through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Despite its growing influence, BRICS+ faces challenges, such as economic disparities among members, political differences, and concerns over China's dominance within the group. Balancing national interests with collective goals remains a key challenge, as does ensuring that the bloc's initiatives translate into tangible outcomes. The need is that the BRICS+ must focus on areas of common interest, maintain balanced power dynamics, and remain flexible in adapting to the evolving global landscape. Effective communication, mutual trust, and a commitment to collective action will be crucial for BRICS+ to fulfill its potential as a leading force in global governance and development.
BRICS is a group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The term "BRIC" was coined by economist Jim O'Neill in 2001 to describe the rapidly growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The group was formalized in 2006 with the first BRIC Foreign Ministers' meeting. South Africa joined in 2010, completing the acronym as BRICS.
BRICS+ refers to the expanded BRICS group, which, in 2024, added Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as new members. This expansion increases BRICS+'s global representation to 46% of the world's population and 30% of global GDP. The expanded group aims to strengthen the bloc's influence as a leader of the Global South and push for greater reforms in global economic governance.
BRICS+ countries work together to foster economic cooperation, trade, and investment among member states. The bloc promotes an alternative development model that prioritizes sustainable growth, social welfare, and South-South cooperation. By enhancing collaboration in areas like infrastructure development and technological innovation, BRICS+ aims to reshape the global economic landscape.
BRICS faces several challenges, including economic diversity among members, political differences, and China's dominant position within the group. These factors can create friction, particularly when balancing national interests with collective goals. Additionally, differences in governance models and strategic priorities can complicate efforts to achieve consensus on key issues.
BRICS plays a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape by representing the interests of the Global South and offering an alternative to Western-dominated institutions. The group advocates for a multipolar world order, emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful development. Through initiatives like BRICS+, the bloc seeks to counterbalance the influence of the global North and promote a more equitable global governance system.
BRICS: A Bloc of Emerging Economies
BRICS Initiatives: Fostering Development and Cooperation
"BRICS has demonstrated that emerging economies can cooperate effectively in addressing global challenges and promoting shared prosperity." Ban-Ki-moon (Former Secretary- General of the UN)
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