Understanding the origins of the BRICS alliance is crucial for grasping global economic and political shifts. If you're wondering, when was the BRICS alliance formed? The answer isn't a single, fixed date, but rather a process that culminated in a formal structure.

The groundwork for BRICS began in the early 2000s, with economist Jim O'Neill coining the term 'BRIC' in 2001 to highlight the growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. However, the actual formation of the alliance as a cooperative group took shape later. It was the Russian side that initiated the creation of BRICS.

A pivotal moment arrived with the first formal meeting. On, the first BRICS Ministerial Meeting was held at the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2006. This meeting officially launched the intergovernmental structure. From that point on, annual summits occurred, strengthening the cooperation between the four nations.

While 2006 marks the formal beginning, the BRIC grouping officially became 'BRICS' with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. South Africa participated in its first BRICS summit in 2011. Therefore, depending on whether you're referring to the initial cooperation between the four countries or the expanded group, the formation can be viewed as taking place either in 2006 or 2010/2011.

In conclusion, the BRICS alliance's formation is best understood as an evolving process. From the initial concept to the first ministerial meeting in 2006, led by Russia, to the inclusion of South Africa in 2010/2011, the alliance gradually solidified into the powerful economic and political force it is today.