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PolitySource: The Hindu

Emerging Role of BRICS in Global Governance and Innovation

Monday, 23 March 2026
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Key Points

India's assumption of the BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" marks a pivotal moment for global governance and innovation. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies (GS) Papers 2 and 3, focusing on international relations and economic development. Last Updated: 23-03-2026

Key Facts About BRICS

  • BRICS was coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to represent emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
  • The Sanya Declaration in 2011 formally recognized S&T cooperation within BRICS.
  • The MoU on STI Cooperation was signed in 2015, establishing the BRICS Young Scientist Forum.
  • The BRICS Technology Transfer Centre (TTC) was established under the BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020).
  • The BRICS Innovation Action Plan (2021-2024) included a landmark agreement for a BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation.
  • BRICS+ now includes Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, representing 49.5% of the global population and 40% of global GDP.
  • The New Development Bank (NDB) was established in 2015 to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

BRICS and Global Governance

BRICS is increasingly significant in global governance, aiming to reform Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank. The bloc's expansion into BRICS+ enhances its influence, representing a substantial portion of the global population and economy. This aligns with India's strategic goals to enhance its global standing and foster economic growth through international cooperation.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 2: International Relations - Role of BRICS in global governance.
  • GS Paper 3: Economic Development - Impact of BRICS on global economic structures.
  • Prelims: Questions on BRICS' formation, objectives, and key initiatives.
  • Mains: Analytical themes on BRICS' role in global governance and innovation.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on multipolarity and global cooperation frameworks.

FAQ Section

  • What is BRICS? BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at fostering economic cooperation and reforming global governance structures.
  • Why is BRICS important? BRICS plays a critical role in promoting techno-multipolarity and cooperation among Global South nations, focusing on innovation and sustainable development.
  • What are the key features of BRICS? Key features include a rotating chairmanship, the New Development Bank, and initiatives like the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre and Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation.

Detailed Coverage

  • Sanya Declaration: Formal recognition of S&T cooperation in 2011.
  • MoU on STI Cooperation: Signed in 2015 to promote collaboration among young scientists.
  • BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation: Expanded focus to entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
  • Annual Ministers Meeting: Sets priorities for S&T cooperation.
  • BRICS Innovation Action Plan: India leads initiatives for data sharing in satellite technology.
  • Kazan and Rio Declarations: Shift towards prioritizing AI and frontier technologies.
  • BRICS+: Expansion includes new members like Egypt and UAE, representing significant global population and GDP.
  • Objective: Reform global governance and provide alternatives to Western institutions.
  • Chairmanship: Operates through a rotating annual chairmanship.
  • New Development Bank: Established for multilateral development projects.
  • India’s Role: Showcase Digital Public Infrastructure for cooperation.
  • Climate Tech Cooperation: Establish a BRICS Clean Energy R&D Consortium.
  • Healthcare Innovation: Advocate for a BRICS Digital Health Grid.
  • Challenges: R&D capacity asymmetry and geopolitical trust deficit hinder cooperation.
  • Needed Reforms: Establish a permanent STI Secretariat for continuity.
  • Conclusion: BRICS must strengthen institutions and investment for impactful global collaboration.
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Practice Questions

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In the context of BRICS expanding into BRICS+, how might the inclusion of countries with diverse economic structures affect the bloc's ability to implement mega-science projects?