BRICS Considers New Membership Applications to Enhance Global South Voice
The BRICS bloc is actively reviewing a new wave of membership applications, following its significant expansion in January 2024 with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. This move aims to further strengthen the representation of the Global South and challenge Western-led international institutions, with current members discussing refined criteria for future growth.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- On **January 1, 2024**, BRICS officially expanded to include **Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)**.
- The expansion was a key outcome of the **15th BRICS Summit** held in **Johannesburg, South Africa**, in **August 2023**.
- Over **40 countries** expressed interest in joining BRICS, with **22** formally applying for membership.
- India advocates for a **consensus-based approach** to BRICS expansion, ensuring new members align with the bloc's objectives.
- The expanded BRICS now accounts for approximately **45% of the world's population** and over **36% of global GDP**.
- A primary objective of BRICS is to amplify the voice of the **Global South** and advocate for a more **multipolar world order**.
- The **New Development Bank (NDB)**, established by BRICS, serves as a multilateral development bank to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding the development of a common BRICS payment system to reduce reliance on the **US dollar**.
Why In News
The BRICS bloc is actively considering a new round of membership applications, following its significant expansion in January 2024. Recent ministerial discussions have focused on refining the criteria and modalities for future growth, signaling a strategic effort to further broaden its global influence and representativeness.
Syllabus Connection
This topic connects to the evolving global order, the rise of multipolarity, and the increasing significance of non-Western multilateral institutions like BRICS in shaping international economic and political landscapes.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| What is BRICS? | An intergovernmental organization of five major emerging economies. | A platform challenging Western dominance, promoting multipolarity and Global South interests. |
| Recent Expansion | Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE joined on January 1, 2024. | Significantly increased BRICS's economic weight and geopolitical reach, especially in the Middle East and Africa. |
| India's Stance | Supports expansion based on consensus and clear criteria. | Aims to ensure cohesion and effectiveness while enhancing Global South representation within the bloc. |
| Key Objective | Economic cooperation, trade, and financial stability. | Reforming global governance, fostering a multipolar world, and providing alternatives to Western-led institutions. |
| Economic Impact | Increased share of global GDP, population, and trade. | Potential to reshape global trade routes, financial systems, and reduce reliance on the US dollar. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 10–20 | International relations is a core GS-II topic for UPSC. Bilateral agreements, multilateral bodies, and geopolitics are essential. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | International summits, treaties, and India's bilateral relations appear in SSC GK. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Medium | 2–4 | G20, IMF/World Bank decisions, and global trade events are tested in banking exams. |
Key Facts to Remember: BRICS Considers New Membership Applications to Enhance Global South Voice
- BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- On **January 1, 2024**, BRICS officially expanded to include **Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)**.
- The expansion was a key outcome of the **15th BRICS Summit** held in **Johannesburg, South Africa**, in **August 2023**.
- Over **40 countries** expressed interest in joining BRICS, with **22** formally applying for membership.
- India advocates for a **consensus-based approach** to BRICS expansion, ensuring new members align with the bloc's objectives.
- The expanded BRICS now accounts for approximately **45% of the world's population** and over **36% of global GDP**.
- A primary objective of BRICS is to amplify the voice of the **Global South** and advocate for a more **multipolar world order**.
- The **New Development Bank (NDB)**, established by BRICS, serves as a multilateral development bank to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding the development of a common BRICS payment system to reduce reliance on the **US dollar**.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following countries was NOT among the original five members of BRICS?
- Brazil
- South Africa
- India
- Saudi Arabia
Explanation: The original five members of BRICS were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Saudi Arabia joined the bloc as a new member on January 1, 2024, following the 2023 Johannesburg Summit.
Q2. The significant expansion of BRICS, which saw the addition of new members like Egypt and Iran, was formally announced as a key outcome of which BRICS Summit?
- 12th BRICS Summit, Moscow
- 13th BRICS Summit, New Delhi
- 14th BRICS Summit, Beijing
- 15th BRICS Summit, Johannesburg
Explanation: The decision to invite new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, was a landmark outcome of the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023. These new members officially joined on January 1, 2024.
Q3. Which of the following is a primary objective of the BRICS grouping?
- To establish a unified military alliance against NATO.
- To promote economic cooperation and reform global governance structures.
- To create a common currency for all member states immediately.
- To exclusively focus on environmental protection initiatives.
Explanation: BRICS primarily aims to promote economic cooperation among its members, foster trade, and advocate for reforms in global governance and financial institutions to better reflect the interests of emerging economies and the Global South. While other aspects might be discussed, economic cooperation and global governance reform are core objectives.
Q4. India's consistent stance on the expansion of BRICS has been characterized by an emphasis on:
- Rapid expansion without specific criteria.
- Excluding certain regions from future membership.
- A consensus-based approach with clear criteria for new members.
- Prioritizing military cooperation over economic ties.
Explanation: India has consistently advocated for a cautious and consensus-based approach to BRICS expansion. It emphasizes the need for clear criteria and principles to ensure that new members contribute to the bloc's objectives and maintain its effectiveness and cohesion.
Q5. The New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank established by which international grouping?
- G7
- ASEAN
- BRICS
- African Union
Explanation: The New Development Bank (NDB), formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank, was established by the BRICS states. Its primary purpose is to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries.
How to Prepare International Affairs for Government Exams — BRICS Considers New Membership Applications to En…
Focus on India-centric news — India's bilateral visits, MoUs signed, and positions in international bodies. This is what domestic exams test.
For UPSC, understand geopolitical context: Why does India take a particular position? What is India's strategic interest?
Keep a running note of all G20, SCO, BRICS, and QUAD-related outcomes. These bodies generate 3–5 questions per major exam cycle.
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