{"id":24403,"date":"2025-01-11T17:27:59","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T11:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/current-affairs\/2025\/01\/11\/new-member-of-the-grouping-indonesia-as-the-11th-country-8084\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T10:27:07","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:27:07","slug":"new-member-of-the-grouping-indonesia-as-the-11th-country-8084","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/new-member-of-the-grouping-indonesia-as-the-11th-country-8084\/","title":{"rendered":"Indonesia Becomes the 11th Member of BRICS: Membership, Objectives and Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia officially became the 11th full member of BRICS on 6 January 2025, marking an important development in the expansion of this international grouping. Brazil, which held the BRICS presidency in 2025, announced Indonesia&#8217;s admission as a full member. This decision strengthened the representation of Southeast Asia within the group and expanded cooperation among major emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The inclusion of Indonesia is an important step towards strengthening the voice of developing countries in international affairs. BRICS provides a platform for its member countries to discuss economic development, international trade, financial cooperation, sustainable development and reforms in global institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With Indonesia joining the grouping, BRICS expanded its geographical and economic reach. The country brings a large population, a growing economy, significant natural resources and an important strategic position in Southeast Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For competitive examination aspirants, the <\/span><b>Indonesia 11th Member of BRICS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> development is an important current affairs topic. It is particularly relevant for SSC, Banking, UPSC, RRB and State Government examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Key Highlights of Indonesia Joining BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following table contains the most important details about Indonesia&#8217;s entry into BRICS.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Particulars<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Member<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Membership Status<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Full Member<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Date of Announcement<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS Presidency (2025)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Position<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">11th Full Member<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesian President<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prabowo Subianto<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Region<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Southeast Asia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Original Group<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRIC<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Present Name<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Main Objective<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Economic and political cooperation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important Focus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Global South cooperation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Previous Expansion<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Current Membership<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">11 Countries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>What is BRICS?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that provides a platform for political, diplomatic and economic cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The name BRICS comes from the initials of its original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The grouping aims to strengthen cooperation among developing economies and increase their participation in international decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike a traditional international organisation, BRICS does not have a constitutive treaty, a permanent secretariat or its own independent budget. It operates as a coordination and cooperation forum among its member countries. Its decisions are generally based on consensus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Major objectives of BRICS include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthening economic cooperation among member countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting international trade and investment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting reforms in global financial institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increasing the representation of developing countries in international governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encouraging cooperation in science and technology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Promoting sustainable development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supporting cooperation in healthcare, agriculture and education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthening the voice of the Global South.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Did Indonesia Become the 11th Member of BRICS?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia had expressed its interest in joining BRICS to strengthen its international partnerships and increase cooperation with developing economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The country participated in BRICS-related diplomatic engagements and expressed its interest in becoming a full member.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the 2024 BRICS expansion process, Indonesia&#8217;s membership was approved in principle. However, its formal entry was announced later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On 6 January 2025, Brazil, as the BRICS Chair for 2025, officially announced that Indonesia had become a full member of the grouping.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Indonesian government welcomed the decision and described membership as an important opportunity to increase its participation in international cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important developments related to Indonesia&#8217;s membership:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia showed interest in joining BRICS to expand its international economic and diplomatic cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The country participated in BRICS-related engagements during the expansion process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its membership was approved through the BRICS consensus-based process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil officially announced Indonesia&#8217;s full membership on 6 January 2025.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia became the 11th full member of BRICS.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia&#8217;s entry also strengthened the representation of Southeast Asia in the grouping.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>List of BRICS Member Countries<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS has expanded considerably since its formation. Initially, the grouping consisted of four major emerging economies. South Africa joined later, and a further expansion took place in 2024 and 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As per the official BRICS membership information reflected in India&#8217;s 2026 government update, the grouping consists of 11 full members.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>S. No.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Member Country<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Membership Year<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Russia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">China<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2011<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Egypt<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">7<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ethiopia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">8<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Iran<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">9<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">United Arab Emirates (UAE)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Saudi Arabia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024 expansion process<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">11<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Note: Saudi Arabia&#8217;s formal accession status has been reported differently by some official sources. The current Indian government BRICS overview includes Saudi Arabia among the 11 members. For examination purposes, follow the latest official membership list specified in the relevant examination&#8217;s current affairs reference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>History and Formation of BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The history of BRICS began with the term BRIC, which was introduced by economist Jim O&#8217;Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term was used to describe four emerging economies with significant growth potential: Brazil, Russia, India and China.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Later, the countries developed cooperation through political and economic meetings. The first BRIC Summit was held in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa subsequently joined the grouping, and the name changed from BRIC to BRICS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important milestones in BRICS history:<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Year<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Important Development<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term BRIC was introduced by Jim O&#8217;Neill<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2006<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRIC cooperation began at the diplomatic level<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First BRIC Summit held in Russia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2010<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa&#8217;s admission was agreed upon<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2011<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa participated as a full BRICS member<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2023<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Expansion was announced at the Johannesburg Summit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and UAE joined as full members<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia officially joined as the 11th full member<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>What is the Importance of Indonesia Joining BRICS?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia&#8217;s membership has increased the geographical and economic reach of BRICS. It also provides new opportunities for cooperation between Southeast Asia and other emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The country&#8217;s large domestic market, natural resources and strategic location make it an important participant in international economic discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Strengthening Southeast Asian Representation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia is one of the most important countries in Southeast Asia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its inclusion gives the region greater representation in BRICS discussions and strengthens cooperation between Asian, African and Latin American economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Expanding International Trade<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia can use the BRICS platform to strengthen trade relations with other member countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Potential areas of cooperation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agricultural products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Energy resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mineral resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Manufacturing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrastructure development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technology and digital services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Strengthening the Global South<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Global South refers broadly to developing and emerging countries that seek greater representation in international decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia&#8217;s membership strengthens cooperation among these countries and provides an additional platform for discussing shared development challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Greater Financial Cooperation<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS encourages cooperation in international finance and development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia&#8217;s participation can create opportunities for discussions on investment, development financing, payment systems and financial cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The New Development Bank (NDB) is also an important institution associated with BRICS cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Strengthening Regional and Global Partnerships<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia has an important position in the Indo-Pacific region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its BRICS membership provides another platform for international engagement and cooperation with emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>BRICS and the Global South<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Global South is an important concept associated with BRICS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It broadly refers to developing and emerging countries across regions such as Asia, Africa and Latin America.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These countries often seek greater participation in international institutions and more balanced representation in global decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS provides a platform through which its members can discuss common concerns, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Economic inequality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Development financing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Food and energy security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">International trade.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technological development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reforms in global institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia&#8217;s inclusion has strengthened the participation of Southeast Asia in these discussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Economic Importance and Global Influence of BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS has become an important platform for cooperation among emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its members collectively represent a significant share of the world&#8217;s population, economic output, trade and natural resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to India&#8217;s 2026 government overview, BRICS members account for approximately:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Economic Indicator<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Share<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Global Population<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">49.5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Global GDP<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">40%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Global Trade<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">26%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These figures reflect the importance of BRICS in international economic discussions. The exact shares may vary depending on the year, data source and calculation method.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Major areas of economic cooperation include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">International trade and investment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrastructure financing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Energy security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agricultural cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technology development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Financial inclusion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sustainable economic growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>New Development Bank (NDB) and BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The New Development Bank is an important financial institution associated with BRICS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was established to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies and developing countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The bank was established in 2014 during the sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, and began operations in 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important facts about the New Development Bank:<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Particulars<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Details<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Name<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Development Bank<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abbreviation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">NDB<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Established<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2014<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First President<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">K. V. Kamath<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Headquarters<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shanghai, China<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Main Purpose<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrastructure and sustainable development financing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Founding Countries<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The NDB provides financial support for projects related to infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, water and sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is important to understand that BRICS and the New Development Bank are not the same institution. BRICS is a cooperation forum, whereas NDB is a multilateral development bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>BRICS Partner Countries: Understanding the Difference<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apart from full members, BRICS has also introduced a separate category called Partner Countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This category was created during the 2024 Kazan Summit under the Russian presidency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partner Countries are invited to participate in selected BRICS meetings and activities, subject to the group&#8217;s agreed procedures and consensus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some countries that became BRICS partners during 2025 include:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>S. No.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>BRICS Partner Country<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Belarus<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bolivia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cuba<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kazakhstan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">5<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Malaysia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nigeria<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">7<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thailand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">8<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uganda<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">9<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uzbekistan<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vietnam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>Difference Between Full Members and Partner Countries<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Full Members<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Partner Countries<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have full membership status<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have a separate participation status<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Participate in member-level decision-making<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Participate in selected meetings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Take part in consensus-based decisions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do not have the same full-member decision-making status<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Form the core BRICS grouping<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cooperate through the partner framework<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This distinction is important for competitive examinations because partner countries should not be counted as full members.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Challenges Faced by BRICS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although BRICS has expanded its membership, the grouping also faces several challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its member countries have different political systems, economic structures, foreign policy priorities and development requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Differences in Economic Interests<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS members have different economic priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some countries are major energy exporters, while others are large manufacturing economies or developing consumer markets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These differences can make it difficult to reach common decisions on trade, investment and financial policies.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Political and Diplomatic Differences<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The member countries do not always share the same geopolitical interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, India and China have unresolved border-related differences. Such issues can influence cooperation on certain international matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Different National Priorities<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every member country has its own development objectives, economic challenges and domestic priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Therefore, achieving a common position on every international issue can be difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Global Financial System Challenges<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS has discussed greater use of local currencies and improvements in international payment arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, developing alternatives to existing global financial systems requires strong financial infrastructure, coordination and long-term cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Consensus-Based Decision-Making<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS generally follows a consensus-based approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While this allows countries to participate in decisions, differences in national interests can make negotiations more complicated as membership expands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Important Facts About Indonesia and BRICS for Competitive Exams<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following facts are particularly useful for SSC, UPSC, Banking, RRB and State Government examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Question<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Answer<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country became the 11th full member of BRICS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When did Indonesia join BRICS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6 January 2025<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country announced Indonesia&#8217;s membership?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who was the President of Indonesia at the time?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prabowo Subianto<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country held the BRICS presidency in 2025?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brazil<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What was the original name of BRICS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRIC<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the term BRIC introduced?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2001<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who introduced the term BRIC?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jim O&#8217;Neill<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the first BRIC Summit held?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2009<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where was the first BRIC Summit held?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yekaterinburg, Russia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which country joined BRICS in 2011?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Africa<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When did the major BRICS expansion take place?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which countries joined during the 2024 expansion?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and UAE, with Saudi Arabia included in the expansion process<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the New Development Bank?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A multilateral development bank associated with BRICS<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where is the NDB headquarters located?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shanghai, China<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When was the NDB established?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2014<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the main objective of BRICS?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cooperation among emerging economies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the BRICS Partner Country category?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A separate participation framework introduced in 2024<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indonesia becoming the 11th full member of BRICS on 6 January 2025 represents an important development in international cooperation. Its inclusion has expanded the group&#8217;s geographical presence and strengthened the participation of Southeast Asian economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BRICS provides an important platform for discussions on economic development, international trade, financial cooperation and reforms in global governance. Indonesia&#8217;s membership also creates opportunities for stronger partnerships among developing and emerging economies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, the grouping must address differences in economic priorities, geopolitical interests and national policies to strengthen its cooperation further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For competitive examination aspirants, the most important facts to remember are Indonesia&#8217;s membership date, Brazil&#8217;s role in announcing the decision, the history of BRICS, its member countries and the difference between full members and partner countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This is a big addition to the BRICS, as it expands the group&rsquo;s reach among the emerging powers. Today BRICS accounts for 35% of the world economy and holds 46% of the global population, and therefore has significant potential in terms of trade and investments. The company opposes the hegemonic systems in the International Monetary [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":26099,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24403"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24403\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28997,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24403\/revisions\/28997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26099"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}