Last Updated: August 2025 | Author: Shahalam , Analyst at Pariksha Soochna
What UPSC Aspirants Should Know About BRICS in 2025:
- BRICS now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, plus five new members: Egypt, UAE, Iran, Indonesia, Ethiopia.
- Represents over 45% of world population and nearly 37% of global GDP.
- Key outcomes from the 17th BRICS Summit (Brazil 2025):
- Launch of BRICS Pay, a cross-border digital payment system.
- Announcement of a Multilateral Guarantees Fund to support infrastructure financing.
- India is set to chair BRICS in 2026.
- Significance for UPSC: Central to understanding India’s foreign policy, Global South cooperation, multilateral diplomacy, and global economic frameworks.
Introduction: Why BRICS Is UPSC Gold
BRICS members map 2025 showing India and new entrants with GDP share for UPSC context
In 2025, BRICS isn’t just a foreign affairs topic—it’s a window into global shifts, relevant for every stage of UPSC: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
While competitors offer general summaries or COP-influenced takes, this blog lays out a structured deep-dive: historical background, summit highlights, institutional innovations, geopolitics, and direct connections to UPSC examination expectations.
Current Affairs Edge: BRICS Meets Trump Tariffs
With Trump’s 50% tariffs on India and Brazil, Brazilian President Lula is exploring a coordinated BRICS strategy to push back—a current development that’s vital for UPSC aspirants analyzing real-time diplomatic shifts.
1. Understanding BRICS: Foundation and Evolution
Origin & Evolution of BRICS
Founded in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS became an influential bloc by advocating multipolarity.
| Milestone | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| First BRIC Summit | 2009 | Global South cooperation gain traction |
| South Africa joins | 2010 | Strategic inclusion of an African voice |
| Expansion to “BRICS Plus” | 2025 | Egypt, UAE, Iran, Indonesia, Ethiopia joined |
These expanding members increase BRICS’s relevance for UPSC-cocoa discussions.
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2. 2025 Summit Highlights That Matter to UPSC Aspirants
BRICS Summit 2025 — Key Announcements
- Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation & Inclusive Governance.”
- Main Deliverables:
- BRICS Pay: A game-changing payment platform designed to bypass dollar dominance.
- Development of a BRICS Multilateral Guaranty Fund to support infrastructure in member countries.
- Pledge to support AI ethics and data governance frameworks.
These structural innovations help craft compelling Mains answers and bolster Essay segments like “India in the World”.
3. BRICS & UPSC: A Strategic Syllabus Bridge
Relevance of BRICS for UPSC
- Global Order (GS-II): Showcases India’s cardinal role in expanding alternative diplomacy.
- International Organizations: Talks on BRICS New Development Bank, payment systems, and sustainability funds.
- India’s Foreign Policy: Leadership and chairmanship in 2026 exemplifies India’s global positioning.
4. BRICS in 2025: A Geopolitical Pivot
Geopolitical Ripple Effect
- Cold war tensions between the West and Global South elevate BRICS’s balanced approach.
- India-Brazil-Putin dialogues—e.g., coordinated response to Trump-era tariffs—add dynamic nuance to UPSC answers.
- BRICS offers braces to UPSC interview candidates: a narrative of unity across developing economies.
5. Economic Significance of BRICS in 2025
BRICS countries data comparison with flags, population, GDP share, and joining year – a quick reference for UPSC and current affairs readers.
Why BRICS Is an Economic Powerhouse
BRICS is no longer just a political forum; it’s a global economic force. In 2025, with new members added, the grouping controls:
- 45% of the world population
- 37% of global GDP
- Over 40% of global oil production
- Significant reserves of rare earth minerals crucial for technology manufacturing.
Impact on Global Trade
- Diversification of Payment Systems
The launch of BRICS Pay aims to reduce dependency on the US dollar for trade settlements. This is directly relevant for UPSC’s GS-III syllabus under “Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.” - Infrastructure Development
The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) is expanding its portfolio to include renewable energy and cross-border infrastructure projects. - Boost for India’s Trade
With India exporting pharmaceuticals, IT services, and agricultural products to BRICS partners, this bloc becomes a safeguard against Western trade restrictions.
6. BRICS in India’s Foreign Policy – UPSC Lens
India’s Diplomatic Leverage
India’s engagement with BRICS provides:
- A platform to counterbalance China’s influence in Asia.
- Access to energy security through deals with Russia, Iran, and UAE.
- A unified Global South voice in climate negotiations.
Examples for UPSC Mains & Essay
In GS-II answers, aspirants can cite India’s role in pushing “Inclusive Multilateralism” through BRICS. In essay papers, BRICS can be used as a case study in South-South cooperation.
7. BRICS UPSC Question Bank 2025
How UPSC Has Asked BRICS Questions in the Past
| Year | Question | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Discuss the significance of BRICS for India’s economic and strategic interests. | GS-II |
| 2020 | Evaluate the role of BRICS in promoting multipolarity. | Essay |
| 2023 | Critically assess the success of BRICS New Development Bank. | GS-II |
8. Strategy for UPSC Aspirants
How to Use BRICS in Answers
- For Prelims: Focus on founding year, members (including new additions), headquarters of NDB, and recent summit theme.
- For Mains: Highlight BRICS as a tool for India’s strategic autonomy.
- For Interview: Be ready with views on BRICS expansion and India’s 2026 chairmanship.
9. Quick Revision Points
- Founded: 2009, expanded in 2010 & 2025.
- Current members: 10 countries.
- 2025 Summit theme: Strengthening Global South Cooperation.
- Major outcomes: BRICS Pay, Guaranty Fund.
- India chairs BRICS in 2026.
10. BRICS Challenges in 2025 – UPSC Perspective
Internal Conflicts & Power Imbalance
Even though BRICS appears united, there are geopolitical frictions within the group:
- China-India border tensions affecting trust.
- Russia’s sanctions-related isolation from Western economies.
- Disagreements on currency standardization for BRICS Pay.
Relevance to UPSC Mains (GS-II & GS-III)
Aspirants must analyze how these internal conflicts affect India’s foreign policy and economic security. For Mains answers, use balanced arguments: highlight the benefits, but don’t ignore limitations.
11. India’s BRICS Strategy for the Future
Priority Areas for India in 2026 Chairmanship
India will chair BRICS in 2026, and the focus areas may include:
- Digital Public Infrastructure – Sharing India’s UPI model with BRICS nations.
- Climate Finance – Pushing for low-cost green funding through the NDB.
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation – Proposing a BRICS counter-terrorism framework.
UPSC Link
For GS-II, link this to “Bilateral, regional, and global groupings involving India.”
12. BRICS in News – Current Affairs Capsules (Prelims Friendly)
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2025 Summit Host | Brazil |
| New Members Joined | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia |
| BRICS Pay | Cross-border payment platform bypassing USD |
| NDB Loan to India | $1.5 billion for renewable energy projects |
| Next Chairmanship | India – 2026 |
13. BRICS UPSC – Expected Prelims Facts
- Headquarters of NDB – Shanghai, China.
- First BRICS Summit – Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009).
- Founding Members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
- BRICS GDP Share – ~37% of world GDP.
- Theme 2025 – “Strengthening Global South Cooperation.”
14. Conclusion – Why BRICS Matters for UPSC & India
BRICS is more than a diplomatic forum—it’s an economic safety net, a geopolitical counterbalance, and a platform for India to lead the Global South. For UPSC aspirants, this is a goldmine topic: it connects GS-II, GS-III, and Essay Papers.
In a multipolar world, BRICS represents a shift from Western dominance to shared global leadership. Understanding its evolution, current relevance, and India’s role is crucial for cracking both Prelims and Mains—and for staying updated with current affairs.
FAQs on BRICS – UPSC Current Affairs
Q1: What is BRICS Pay and why is it important?
A: BRICS Pay is a payment system designed to reduce dependency on the US dollar in cross-border trade, giving member countries greater financial autonomy.
Q2: Which countries joined BRICS in 2025?
A: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia.
Q3: How is BRICS relevant to UPSC?
A: BRICS links to GS-II (International Relations), GS-III (Economy), Prelims facts, and essay topics.
Q4: What is the headquarters of the BRICS New Development Bank?
A: Shanghai, China.
Q5: What will India focus on during its 2026 BRICS chairmanship?
A: Digital Public Infrastructure, climate finance, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
