What if the next big opportunity for your career, startup or tech idea could come from a country you have never visited? That is one reason young people should pay attention to BRICS. It is more than a group of world leaders meeting for a summit: it is a forum where major emerging economies discuss trade, technology, development, finance and cooperation.
First things first: What is BRICS?
BRICS began as a way for large emerging economies to coordinate on shared global issues. The name originally came from Brazil, Russia, India and China; South Africa joined in 2011, turning BRIC into BRICS. The group has since expanded.
As of October 2026, BRICS has 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. It also has partner countries, a separate category that includes countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Nigeria. Partner status is not the same as full membership.
Why is everyone talking about BRICS in 2026?
India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026. The agenda puts attention on how countries can work together on development, innovation and a changing global economy.
In plain English: countries are discussing how to make economies more resilient, encourage new ideas, cooperate across borders and support growth that lasts. Those conversations can matter to students, job seekers, creators and entrepreneurs—not just politicians.
5 ways BRICS could matter to young people
1. Startups and business opportunities
When countries build stronger trade and business links, new possibilities can emerge for exporters, small businesses, digital services and entrepreneurs. Imagine an Indian startup exploring customers in Brazil, a design studio working with a partner in South Africa, or a food business researching demand in the Gulf. These are possibilities to investigate—not guaranteed benefits of membership.
2. Skills that travel across borders
International cooperation can create reasons to develop skills that employers value: data analysis, AI literacy, cybersecurity, languages, digital marketing, logistics, clean-energy technology and cross-cultural communication. You do not need to wait for a special BRICS programme to start building them.
3. Science, technology and innovation
BRICS discussions include science, technology and innovation. For young researchers and builders, collaboration between institutions can help ideas travel further. Think practical problems: affordable healthcare, better farming, safer digital systems, clean energy and technology that works in local languages.
4. Climate action and a greener future
Emerging economies face big questions about energy, pollution, water, transport and sustainable growth. That means opportunities for people learning renewable energy, electric mobility, recycling, sustainable agriculture, environmental data and green business. The challenge is real—and so is the need for fresh ideas.
5. Culture, education and global connections
Countries do not cooperate through trade alone. Education, sport, culture, research and youth exchanges can help people understand one another and build networks. Check official announcements from universities and government departments for actual scholarships, exchange programmes or youth events; eligibility and availability vary.
BRICS and India: what should Indian youth watch?
For India, BRICS is one of several forums for building international relationships. Young Indians can follow developments in digital public infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education, renewable energy and small-business exports. The useful question is not simply “Is BRICS powerful?” but “What new problems need solving, and what can I learn to help solve them?”
Quick myth-buster: Is BRICS a single country or a military alliance?
No. BRICS is a forum for cooperation among sovereign countries, not one unified country. It is also not a collective-defence military alliance. Members have different interests, policies and priorities, so agreement can take time. Its role is better understood through dialogue and cooperation on selected economic, development and global-governance issues.
How can you get involved right now?
- Follow reliable updates: Start with official BRICS and India government announcements rather than viral posts.
- Build one useful skill: Choose AI, data, a foreign language, export basics, clean energy or international relations and create a small project.
- Think like a founder: Research a real problem in your community and explore how technology or a business could address it.
- Look for real programmes: Verify deadlines, eligibility and funding directly with the organiser before applying.
- Stay curious and critical: Compare perspectives from different countries and distinguish announced plans from results already achieved.
The bottom line
BRICS is not a magic shortcut to a job, scholarship or business success. But it is an important part of the conversation about how the global economy may evolve—and young people have a stake in that future. Learn the basics, follow the opportunities, develop practical skills and turn global news into local action.
Your turn: If you could collaborate with young people from any BRICS country on one project—AI, sports, climate, education or business—which would you choose? Share your idea in the comments.
For further reading, visit the official BRICS India 2026 website and the Press Information Bureau for government updates. Information in this article is current to October 2026; programme details and policy decisions can change.
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