Why in News?
BRICS member nations unanimously adopted the ‘Indore Declaration’ — a joint agricultural charter — at the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The declaration aims to boost global farm cooperation among emerging economies.
Key Facts for UPSC Prelims
- Meeting: 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting
- Declaration: Indore Declaration — a unanimous joint agricultural charter
- India proposed the BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network, which was accepted by all members
Four Networks Established by the Indore Declaration
- Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture
- BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture
- Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems
- BRICS AgriN (Agro Input, Genetic Resources and Information Network)
Static/Exam Connect: BRICS — Origin and Expansion
- The acronym “BRIC” was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill to highlight the growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
- South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
- BRICS is an informal intergovernmental grouping — not a formal international organization or treaty-based body.
- BRICS represents the Global South and challenges Western dominance in global governance.
- India’s BRICS Presidency: India assumed the BRICS presidency on 1 January 2026, succeeding Brazil.
BRICS+ Expansion (Current 11 Full Members)
| Category | Members |
|---|---|
| Founding Members (BRICS) | Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa |
| New Members (joined 2024) | Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia |
Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Declaration Name | Indore Declaration |
| Meeting | 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting |
| Networks established | 4 (+ India’s Urban Research Network accepted) |
| BRIC coined by | Jim O’Neill (Goldman Sachs), 2001 |
| South Africa joined BRICS | 2010 |
| Total BRICS Members | 11 (BRICS+) |
| India’s BRICS Presidency | From January 1, 2026 |
| Nature of grouping | Informal, intergovernmental |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Common Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| BRICS was formed with 5 members from the start | Started as BRIC (4 members); South Africa joined in 2010 making it BRICS |
| BRICS is a formal international organization | No — it is an informal grouping with no permanent secretariat or binding treaties |
| Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRICS” | He coined “BRIC” (4 countries) in 2001; “BRICS” came after SA joined in 2010 |
| India currently holds no BRICS role | India holds BRICS presidency (from Jan 1, 2026) |
| New BRICS members joined in 2023 | 6 new members were invited in 2023 but formally joined in 2024 |
Practice MCQs
1. The ‘Indore Declaration’ is related to which sector of cooperation among BRICS nations?
a. Defence and Security
b. Digital Currency
c. Agriculture
d. Climate Finance
Ans: C
The Indore Declaration is a joint agricultural charter adopted at the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Indore, MP.
2. The acronym “BRIC” was coined in 2001 by:
a. World Bank
b. Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs
c. UN Development Programme
d. IMF
Ans: B
Jim O’Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, coined “BRIC” in 2001 to identify high-growth emerging economies.
3. Which of the following is NOT a founding member of BRICS?
a. Russia
b. Brazil
c. Egypt
d. South Africa
Ans: C
Egypt joined as a new member in 2024. The founding members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
4. India assumed the BRICS Presidency on:
a. January 1, 2025
b. January 1, 2026
c. January 1, 2024
d. March 1, 2026
Ans: B
India assumed BRICS Presidency on January 1, 2026, succeeding Brazil.
5. How many new members joined BRICS in the 2024 expansion?
a. 4
b. 5
c. 6
d. 7
Ans: C
6 new members joined: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia — making total BRICS membership 11.
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