India Welcomes Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia Joining BRICS
On June 10, India wholeheartedly welcomed Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia as new members of BRICS. Their representatives attended a key meeting of the grouping for the first time, hosted by Russia. Senior diplomat Dammu Ravi led the Indian delegation at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, in western Russia.
About BRICS
BRICS is an intergovernmental organization originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It has now expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Initially identified to highlight investment opportunities, BRICS has evolved into a cohesive geopolitical bloc with member governments meeting annually at formal summits and coordinating multilateral policies since 2009. Bilateral relations among BRICS are based on non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit.
Key Insight: Understanding the structure and purpose of BRICS can provide valuable insights into global geopolitics and international cooperation, which are crucial for general knowledge sections in competitive exams.
BRICS’ Global Impact
BRICS currently represents around 40% of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the world’s GDP. With the inclusion of new members, this influence is set to increase, especially with three of the world’s biggest oil producers—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran—joining the bloc.
Real-Life Application: Recognizing the economic and geopolitical implications of such alliances can enhance your understanding of global economics and international relations.
BRICS Summit 2024
In August 2023, during the 15th BRICS Summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the inclusion of six emerging market group countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Full membership was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024. However, Argentina withdrew its application following the election of President Javier Milei in November 2023.
Key Facts:
- Summit Date: August 2023
- Announced Members: Argentina (later withdrew), Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
- Effective Membership Date: January 1, 2024
Exam Insight: Keeping track of major international summits and their outcomes is essential for current affairs and general knowledge sections in competitive exams.
Participatory Members in the Summit
The summit saw active participation from several key figures:
- Iran: Mohammad Jamshidi, political deputy of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, hailed the decision as a “historic move” and a strategic victory for Iran’s foreign policy.
- South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently chairs BRICS, made the announcement about the new members on the final day of the summit in Johannesburg.
- Brazil: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- China: President Xi Jinping
- Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi emphasized cooperation and coordination with other BRICS members to achieve the bloc’s economic cooperation aims and to amplify the voice of the Global South.
Key Insight: Understanding the roles and perspectives of different countries in international organizations helps in comprehending the dynamics of global diplomacy.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia into BRICS marks a significant expansion of the bloc and underscores its growing influence in global geopolitics. For students preparing for competitive exams, understanding such developments provides valuable insights into international relations and economic cooperation.
Call to Action: For more updates on international organizations and global geopolitical developments, visit gk360.in. Enhance your general knowledge and stay informed in your exam preparation journey.
