Why BRICS Was Created and How BRIC Became BRICS

Source: Aaj Tak | Original Published At: 2026-09-10 01:19:36 UTC

Key Points

• India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September 2026.
• The term BRIC was popularized in 2001 by economist Jim O'Neill to refer to Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
• BRIC became a formal platform after the first foreign ministers' meeting during the UN General Assembly in 2006.
• The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.
• South Africa joined in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
• Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined in 2024, while Indonesia joined in 2025, bringing full membership to 11 countries.
• BRICS also includes partner countries invited to meetings, but they do not have the full decision-making role of member states.