BRICS UPSC Notes 2025: Complete Guide for Aspirants

Knowledge of international organizations like BRICS is very important for candidates preparing for UPSC. This topic is useful at all levels – prelims, mains and essay. Questions based on BRICS are often asked due to the changing global scenario and its increasing role in India’s foreign policy.

In this article, you will get important information related to the history of BRICS, its achievements, challenges faced and India’s strategic role in it. These notes will prove to be helpful in writing short answers to preparing a systematic and effective essay for your exam.

Let us Start with What is BRICS ?

BRICS is considered an important platform for political and diplomatic cooperation for the countries of the global south. This group consists of eleven countries, which have come together for mutual coordination and synergy in various fields.

These countries include – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran.

BRICS was started in the year 2009 with the name ‘BRIC’, while South Africa joined it in 2010. Initially this group was of five countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

This organization does not have any permanent headquarters. Every year different countries chair it and summits are organized.

Currently BRICS is chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Download the PDF here : BRICS UPSC NOTES

Let Talk about History of BRICS for UPSC

• 2001: Term “BRIC” coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill.
• 2006: First official meeting of BRIC foreign ministers (New York).
• 2009: First BRIC Summit (Yekaterinburg, Russia).
• 2010: South Africa joined → BRIC became BRICS.
• 2014: Creation of New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
• 2023-24: BRICS expanded dialogue with countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
• 2025 : Declaration on the importance of AI regulation and Condemning tariffs. And this is the first meeting with indonasia as member state.

Download Brics UPSC notes.

Objectives of BRICS

1. Reform international financial and political institutions.
2. Strengthen trade and investment ties among member countries.
3. Promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
4. Enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
5. Act as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions (IMF, World Bank).

BRICS Institutions

1. New Development Bank (NDB)

• Established: 2014, HQ in Shanghai.
• Purpose: Fund infrastructure & sustainable development projects.
• All members contribute equally to capital.

2. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

• $100 billion pool to tackle short-term balance of payment crises.

3. BRICS Business Council

• Promotes economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

Achievements of BRICS

• Formation of NDB (first major global financial institution led by emerging economies).
• Increasing trade within members (intra-BRICS trade crossed $500 billion).
• Strong voice in global issues like climate change and WTO reforms.
• BRICS Vaccine Research Center announced (2021).
• Promotion of digital economy & fintech cooperation.

Challenges Before BRICS

1. Internal Rivalries: Especially India-China border issues.
2. Different Political Systems: Democratic vs authoritarian setups.
3. Slow Decision-Making: Lack of permanent structure.
4. Economic Inequality: China dominates BRICS economy (~70% share).
5. Geopolitical Conflicts: Russia-Ukraine war, China’s assertive foreign policy.

India’s Role in BRICS

• Founding member & strong voice for reforms in UNSC, IMF, and World Bank.
• Hosts important initiatives like BRICS Startup Forum & BRICS Young Scientist Forum.
• Advocates for climate justice, digital inclusion, and counter-terrorism.
• India hosted 13th BRICS Summit in 2021 (virtual, due to pandemic).

BRICS Countries & The Rise of the Indian Rupee: Is It Becoming a Global Currency?

helpful Article on BRICS read here : https://sachsakshya.com/rupee-moving-towards-international-currency/

BRICS in News 2025 (Current Affairs for UPSC)

• BRICS discussed dedollarisation and promoting trade in local currencies.
• Expansion talks include countries from the Middle East and Africa.
• Greater focus on climate finance and sustainable technology sharing.

BRICS UPSC Notes – Key Facts for Prelims

• BRICS started: 2009, Yekaterinburg, Russia
• South Africa joined: 2010
• NDB HQ: Shanghai, China
• Current NDB President: Rotates among members
• BRICS accounts: ~40% population, ~25% GDP
• India hosted BRICS Summits: 2012, 2016, 2021

Expected UPSC Questions

Prelims:

• Match the following: BRICS institutions and their functions.
• First BRICS Summit venue.

Mains:

• “BRICS has emerged as a voice for the Global South. Critically evaluate its achievements and limitations.”

Essay:

• “Role of emerging economies in reshaping global governance.”

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article/notes on BRICS UPSC preparation is for educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not claim it to be exhaustive or free from errors. Students are advised to cross-verify with official sources like PIB, Ministry of External Affairs, and UPSC notifications before final use.