Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS has been stalling for nearly three years, since Islamabad formally applied to the group in 2023.
It submitted its application in November that year, hoping to join the growing group of emerging economies.
Pakistan has since been trying to gain support from existing BRICS members. China and Russia are important countries in this effort, but getting wider acceptance within the group remains a challenge.
BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In recent years, the group has expanded to include such countries as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
Now that there are more than one hundred developing countries in the world in the group and a few of them are also large emerging economies, membership is more important for countries looking for economic and diplomatic power and influence in the bloc and that of the region.
As far as Pakistan is concerned, joining BRICS would help to cement economic ties with major emerging markets.
Islamabad has also cited membership as a way to enhance relations with countries outside traditional Western-led economic and political institutions.
India Factor
One of the biggest challenges for Pakistan in applying is its relationship with India. India is a founding member of BRICS and decisions on new membership are made by consensus among existing members.
This means India does not have a separate veto over Pakistan’s application. But without India’s consent, it would be very difficult to reach a consensus for Pakistan to join.
India and Pakistan have long been at odds on issues of security and terrorism. These long-standing differences could be very important in Pakistan’s bid to join the group.
China and Russia’s Role
Pakistan has also been looking towards China and Russia for diplomatic support. Islamabad had earlier indicated that it was engaging with BRICS members to build backing for its application.
China’s close relationship with Pakistan makes Beijing an important potential supporter. Russia has also maintained relations with Pakistan and India, so Moscow’s position is important in the broader BRICS dialogue.
But support from one or two countries may not be enough because BRICS membership depends on wider agreement among its members.
Why Membership Matters to Pakistan
Pakistan sees BRICS membership as an opportunity to expand economic cooperation with some of the world’s largest emerging economies.
Greater engagement with the grouping could potentially provide Islamabad with additional diplomatic and economic avenues.
Pakistan also has an interest in the BRICS-led New Development Bank, indicating its broader interest in institutions connected to the grouping.
As BRICS expands, Pakistan’s application is a testament to the extent to which economic ambitions can be closely linked to geopolitics.
Islamabad may have submitted its application in 2023 but getting the approval needed to enter the group is becoming a much more difficult process.
Pakistan is still outside BRICS despite being kept out of it and its membership bid is still awaiting a breakthrough.
