Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS : I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS. III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) I and II ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) II and III
- (c) I and III
- (d) I only
Why the answer is (a)
• The 16th BRICS Summit was held at Kazan, Russia, on 22–24 October 2024 under Russia's chairship — statement I is correct.
• Indonesia was admitted as a full member in January 2025 under Brazil's chairship, becoming the first South-east Asian member — statement II is correct.
• Statement III is wrong: the Kazan theme was 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security' — multilateralism, not 'multiculturalism'.
• The Kazan summit also created a 'partner country' category and saw the Modi–Xi meeting that followed the LAC disengagement agreement.
• Hence I and II, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) II and III
- Statement III misquotes the theme (multilateralism, not multiculturalism).
- (c) I and III
- Statement III is wrong; statement II on Indonesia is correct.
- (d) I only
- Statement II is also correct: Indonesia became a full member in 2025.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.