---
title: "BRICS/SCO: Key Multilateral Groupings | Model Diplomat"
description: "BRICS and the SCO are essential non-Western groupings for China, focusing on economic coordination and Eurasian security, respectively."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/brics-sco"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- BRICS and the SCO are two non-Western multilateral groupings—one an economic-coordination bloc, the other a Eurasian security organisation—both central to China's foreign policy.
- How do BRICS and the SCO differ in their core mandates?
- What institutions did BRICS establish, and when?
- How has the SCO expanded since its 2001 founding?
- Why is India's dual membership strategically significant?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research BRICS/SCO like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Timeline

1. 15 June 2001

   BRICS originated as an analytical acronym coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill in 2001 ("BRIC"), then became a formal grouping when the foreign mini…

2. 1 January 2024

   BRICS expanded under the Johannesburg Declaration (2023), admitting Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE from (Saudi Arabia was invited but had not formally co…

## Research it like a delegate

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## Ask a follow-up about BRICS/SCO

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Example

At the Kazan BRICS Summit hosted by Russia in October 2024, leaders endorsed deeper local-currency settlement and a "BRICS Pay" initiative, while Indonesia's full accession was confirmed in January 2025.

Keep learning

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[China In The Un Global Governance Reform](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/china-foreign-policy-china-in-the-un-global-governance-reform)

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