Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
BRICS is a key international grouping where India plays a significant role. Its evolution, objectives, challenges, and impact on global order (e.g., de-dollarization, UNSC reform) are frequently tested in UPSC Mains (GS2) and Prelims, reflecting India's strategic autonomy and its role as a Global South balancer.
BRICS is an informal grouping of major emerging markets and developing countries, initially formed in 2006 as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and later expanded to include South Africa in 2010, and more recently Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Its original purpose was to provide a platform for emerging economies and counter the dominance of industrialized nations in international institutions.