What is BRICS and Why Does India’s Presidency Matter?

Source: नवभारत टाइम्स | Original Published At: 2025-12-29 12:37:00 UTC

Key Points

• BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, representing over 40% of the global population.
• The bloc focuses on economic cooperation, reforming global institutions like the UN and IMF, and reducing reliance on the US dollar through alternative financial systems.
• India's 2025 presidency occurs during US-China tensions, with the US having previously threatened tariffs against BRICS countries.
• While Western nations dismiss BRICS' effectiveness, the group aims to provide developing nations with alternatives to traditional financial institutions.
• BRICS operates through annual summits and consensus-based decision-making without formal charters or permanent secretariats.