MEA S Jaishankar Explains Why The World Needs A BRICS Bloc

Yet another winning moment from the Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. At an event hosted by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, the sharp-witted minister was queried on the need for yet another “club” in the form of BRICS (a grouping nations founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The minister’s response was immediate and pointed. “To be honest why the club because there was another club called the G7 and you wouldn't let anybody else into that club”, Jaishankar said, adding, “So we said we go and form our own club. You know we are also good citizens of good standing who have a place in the global society”. BRICS, which represents 27% of global GDP, was joined by five more nations in January 2024 – Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Ethiopia. BRICS has gained a life of its own over a period of time, as others saw value in it as well, the minister said.