What happened?
Indonesia formally joins Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), becoming the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) country to be included in the group of major emerging economies.
Why it matters to India.
Indonesia’s membership strengthens the BRICS bloc, expanding its influence in the Global South and aligning with the group’s agenda for reforming global governance institutions. At the same time, Indonesia’s membership signals its growing role in global economic and political dynamics, offering a strategic opportunity to boost collaboration with developing nations. The announcement gains significance in the wake of India’s decision to host the Indonesian President as the Republic Day guest on January 26, 2025.