UPSC Notes

BRICS Grouping and India's Role

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Essential for understanding India's multilateral foreign policy, its engagement with emerging economies, and its strategy to navigate a changing global power dynamic. India's chairship signifies its leadership role within the grouping and its efforts to shape global narratives.

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, formed to promote cooperation among its member states and influence global governance. It represents a significant portion of the world's population and economic output, aiming to create a more multipolar world order.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Formation

Initially formed as BRIC in 2009; South Africa joined in 2010.

Key Initiatives

Includes the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).

Objectives

Focuses on economic cooperation, trade, investment, and political dialogue.

India's Chairship

India will hold the BRICS Chairship in 2026, highlighting its leadership role.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
New Development Bank (NDB)Financial arm
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
  • Aims for economic cooperation, global governance reform.
  • New Development Bank (NDB) is a key institution.
  • India to hold Chairship in 2026.
  • Represents emerging economies' collective voice.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International Relations
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Prime Minister shares an article on India seeking to place the Global South at the centre of global energy future

27 Jun 2026 · BRICS is a major grouping of emerging economies, with India playing a crucial role in its objectives of economic cooperation and global governance reform, highlighted by its upcoming chairship in 2026.

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Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on BRICS Grouping and India's Role in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.