BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Originally focused on highlighting investment opportunities, the group has evolved into a cohesive geopolitical bloc. Their governments have been meeting annually at formal summits and coordinating multilateral policies since 2009. Bilateral relations among BRICS countries are primarily based on principles of non-interference, equality, and mutual benefit.

The founding members—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—convened their first summit in Yekaterinburg in 2009. South Africa joined the bloc a year later, while Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became members on January 1, 2024.