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BRICS UPSC: Latest Summit, Key Facts, Objectives, and More
BRICS is one of the most important topics in the UPSC syllabus, especially under International Relations, Foreign Policy, and Current Affairs. As global geopolitics changes rapidly, BRICS has emerged as a powerful coalition representing the voice of developing economies.
For aspirants preparing seriously, understanding BRICS UPSC fundamentals, such as member countries, objectives, new expansion, and summit outcomes, is essential.
BRICS: Meaning, Origin & Full Form =
BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The term “BRIC” was first coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe fast-growing economies. Later, South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
A frequently asked question in UPSC is: What is the full form of BRICS?
- Brazil
- Russia
- India
- China
- South Africa
| Topic | Details |
| BRICS established | 2009 (South Africa added in 2010) |
| First BRIC meeting | 2006, UNGA sidelines |
| How many countries in BRICS | 10 after 2024 expansion |
| Nature | Intergovernmental, not treaty-based |
| BRICS Headquarters | No permanent HQ (virtual structure) |
| Chairmanship | Rotates annually |
| BRICS GDP | ~31% of global GDP (PPP) |
| Key body | NDB, CRA, Business Forum, Think Tank Council |
| Focus area | Trade, finance, health, tech, climate |
BRICS Countries: Core Members and Characteristics=
Original BRICS members:
- Brazil – Major agricultural exporter, Latin America’s largest economy.
- Russia – Energy superpower with strong geopolitical influence.
- India – a fast-growing economy with a booming services and digital sectors.
- China – Manufacturing hub and second-largest global economy.
- South Africa – Africa’s leading industrialized nation.
Together, they represent vast populations, natural resources, and economic potential, making BRICS a strong global coalition.
BRICS New Member Countries (2024 Expansion)=
A major highlight of the UPSC is the inclusion of new countries in the BRICS+ format.
The BRICS new member list includes:
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
This expansion significantly increases BRICS’ influence in global oil markets, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and African economic partnerships.
Why was BRICS formed?
The key reasons include:
- Promoting economic cooperation among emerging economies
- Reforming global governance institutions (UNSC, IMF, World Bank)
- Reducing dependence on Western financial systems
- Supporting South–South cooperation
- Enhancing multipolarity in global politics
In simple terms, BRICS gives developing countries a stronger voice in world affairs.
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Objective of BRICS
BRICS has a long-term agenda in many sectors:
1. Strengthening Economic Cooperation
Increasing trade, investment, banking cooperation, and local currency settlement.
2. Political & Security Line
Countering terrorism and cyber threats, regional peace, and global politics.
3. Development & Sustainability
Achieving inclusive growth through projects like the New Development Bank.
4. Cooperation in Technology and Digitisation
Acting collectively on AI, fintech, pharmaceutical research, and space technology.
5. Social & cultural exchange
Through BRICS sports meetings, forums for academics, and youth summits, we build people-to-people connections.
Latest BRICS Summit
UPSC often refers to the latest BRICS summit outcomes.
16th BRICS Summit – Russia (2024)
This was the first summit held after the expansion.
Key Outcomes:
- Integration of BRICS+ countries
- Strong emphasis on energy security and global oil supply stability
- Efforts to increase trade in local currencies
- Strengthening digital public infrastructure cooperation
- Discussions on global debt challenges and climate financing
The summit highlighted the rising geopolitical influence of BRICS.
South Africa BRICS Summit (2023)
The South Africa BRICS summit was historic because it laid the foundation for expansion.
Important Decisions:
- Announcement of new member inclusion
- Push for reforming global financial systems
- Collaboration on health, vaccine distribution, and education
- Increased focus on Africa’s development agenda
This summit marked a major shift toward a multipolar world order.
Next BRICS Summit (2025)
The next BRICS summit is expected to focus on:
- Economic recovery
- Digital governance
- Climate resilience
- Regional security cooperation
- Strengthening the BRICS+ format
For UPSC, questions may revolve around the themes and agenda priorities.
BRICS Currency Name – Ongoing Discussions
A trending topic in BRICS current affairs is the proposed BRICS currency.
Although no official BRICS currency name exists yet, discussions are ongoing about:
- A unified digital settlement system
- Trade invoicing through local currencies
- Reducing reliance on the US Dollar
This topic may appear in UPSC Mains (GS-II).
BRICS Meeting Structure
The BRICS meeting format includes:
- Leaders’ Summit
- Finance Ministers’ Meeting
- Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
- National Security Advisors’ Meeting
- BRICS Business Forum
- BRICS Academic Forum
- Think Tank Council
This multi-layered mechanism ensures extensive cooperation.
BRICS and Global Economic Reform
BRICS countries play a major role in reshaping global economic governance. Their collaboration promotes fairer financial systems, encourages trade in local currencies, and reduces dependence on dollar-based institutions.
The New Development Bank offers flexible funding for developing nations without the political conditions often attached by Western institutions. By working together on digital economy, infrastructure, and renewable energy, BRICS aims to create a more inclusive and balanced global economic order.
Conclusion
The BRICS define the future of cooperation among emerging economies and global governance. An understanding of BRICS UPSC topics such as summits, goals, new members, and significance in global geopolitics should be on the prep radar for aspiring UPSC candidates. Keep an eye on developments and take good notes on current affairs.
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FAQ
1. How many BRICS countries are in UPSC?
BRICS has 11 member countries as of the latest expansion. UPSC usually refers to the original 5 (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) plus the newly added members.
2. What is the role of BRICS UPSC?
For UPSC, BRICS is important for topics like international relations, global economics, multipolar world order, South-South cooperation, and India’s foreign policy.
3. Who is hosting BRICS in 2025?
Russia is hosting the BRICS Summit in 2025.
4. Who is the newest member of BRICS?
The newest members (added in 2024) are Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
5. What is the motto of BRICS Summit 2025?
The 2025 theme is expected to be announced by the host country (Russia). As of now, no official motto has been released.
6. Who coined BRICS?
The term BRIC (before South Africa joined) was coined by Jim O’Neill, a Goldman Sachs economist, in 2001.
7. Who is powerful, NATO or BRICS?
NATO is militarily more powerful because it is a military alliance, while BRICS is an economic and political grouping, not a defense alliance.
8. How many times did India host the BRICS Summit?
India has hosted the BRICS Summit twice — in 2012 (New Delhi) and 2016 (Goa).