Malaysia has formally applied to join the BRICS group, as confirmed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The application has been submitted to Russia, which currently chairs the organisation. This move underscores Malaysia's ambition to be part of the influential economic bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, a two-day event beginning Thursday in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In the semi-final, the Indian team faced a strong Chinese side, ultimately falling 1-3. Yashini Sivasankar provided a promising start, winning the first game 11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-2.

The Foreign Ministers of BRICS countries have emphasised the importance of the G20 as the primary platform for global economic cooperation, reaffirming its role in addressing global challenges and promoting inclusive economic growth.

At a meeting in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod, the BRICS foreign ministers reiterated the grouping's unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution to the Palestine issue based on international law.

India participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which began in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod on Monday. This marks the first foreign policy assignment for India under the historic third consecutive term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Representing India, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), led the Indian delegation at the meeting.

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra recently addressed the BRICS Health Ministers’ meeting held alongside the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Chandra, who has also been appointed as the head of Committee A at the 77th session of the WHA, emphasised India's active engagement in BRICS health track initiatives.

The already strong India-UAE ties transcended to a truly multilateral level in 2023 with the announcement of the strategically important India-Middle East Economic Corridor and the expansion of the BRICS grouping to include the key Gulf nation.