The BRICS group—an alliance of five emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—represents a powerful bloc of influence on the global stage. These nations, collectively home to over 3 billion people and contributing a significant portion of global GDP, play a key role in shaping the economic, political, and strategic directions of the world. Formed in 2009 with the initial inclusion of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and later joined by South Africa in 2010, BRICS is now broadening its reach. Pakistan, in recognition of the strategic benefits and economic opportunities, has expressed interest in joining this influential forum, aiming to leverage it for enhanced international collaboration and support for its development goals.
Since Pakistan’s application in August last year, additional countries, including Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia, have formally applied, reflecting the increasing appeal of BRICS as a hub for emerging economies.
A recent visit to Islamabad by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk highlighted Moscow’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS.
The BRICS alliance is currently composed of a diverse group of countries each with distinct economic and regional influences. These nations have a collective voice in global governance and aim to strengthen cooperation on key issues such as trade, sustainable development, energy security, and technology. With South Africa’s inclusion in 2010, BRICS cemented its focus on emerging economies across multiple continents, thereby broadening its geographical and geopolitical impact.
Why BRICS Matters:
BRICS is essential for numerous reasons:
1. Economic Growth and Stability: Together, BRICS countries account for nearly a quarter of global GDP. The bloc is instrumental in promoting alternative financial frameworks, such as the New Development Bank (NDB), which provides funds for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. For nations facing economic instability, BRICS offers a pathway toward diversified financial support outside Western-dominated financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
2. Political and Strategic Influence: BRICS holds an increasingly prominent role in global governance and multilateral platforms like the G20. It encourages multipolarity in international relations, allowing nations outside the traditional Western sphere of influence to shape global decisions.
3. Technology and Innovation Collaboration: With initiatives focused on digitalization, technological transfer, and innovation, BRICS presents opportunities for advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence, health, and space exploration. By fostering a collaborative approach to innovation, the bloc aims to enhance competitiveness and inclusivity in the global digital economy.
Pakistan’s Interest in Joining BRICS:
Pakistan’s application coincided with BRICS’s rising role as a prominent voice for the Global South. Pakistan’s interest in BRICS membership reflects its ambition to diversify its economic partnerships, gain international support, and leverage the resources and expertise available within the bloc.
Representing nearly 30% of the world’s land area, around 30% of global GDP, and 45% of the global population, BRICS membership remains highly desirable for nations aiming to connect with influential economies and strengthen their global presence.
Pakistan has formally submitted its application, underscoring its desire to be part of an organization that aligns with its development needs and economic potential. While there has been no formal response yet, Pakistan’s membership would likely bring mutual benefits for both the nation and BRICS.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s role as a developing country and an ardent supporter of inclusive multilateralism, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed hope that BRICS will soon consider Pakistan’s request, which would enable the country to contribute to international cooperation, as reported by Business Recorder.
Why BRICS Membership is Important for Pakistan:
1. Enhanced Economic Opportunities: BRICS membership would open avenues for Pakistan to attract investment, especially in areas like infrastructure, technology, and energy. Pakistan could access the New Development Bank’s funding, facilitating large-scale projects essential for economic stability and growth.
2. Strengthened Regional Cooperation: Membership would enable Pakistan to further deepen its ties with China an Russia, a longstanding allies and a prominent BRICS members. Additionally, Pakistan’s entry into the bloc could pave the way for greater economic and strategic stability in South Asia.
3. Support for Development Initiatives: As an emerging economy with significant developmental needs, Pakistan would benefit from BRICS’s focus on sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Collaboration on these fronts could help Pakistan address socio-economic challenges, especially with regard to poverty reduction, healthcare, and digital transformation.
4. A Platform for Global Influence: As a BRICS member, Pakistan would gain a stronger voice in global policy discussions, particularly on issues affecting emerging economies. This increased influence could bolster Pakistan’s stance on international platforms, where it seeks a more balanced representation for developing nations.
Potential Threat:
Since BRICS operates on a consensus basis for admitting new members, India’s position alone has the potential to block Pakistan’s entry into the bloc, even with backing from key founding nations like Russia and China.
Pakistan’s leadership had been hopeful that its strong alliances with these countries could pave the way for inclusion. However, India’s effective “virtual veto” by opposing consensus ultimately dashed these hopes.
Through its bid to join BRICS, Pakistan sought alignment with influential global economies to amplify its voice within the Global South. However, India’s stance underscores the complexities and geopolitical sensitivities within the bloc, showing
how diplomatic relations among BRICS members can shape the future of this expanding coalition.
However, senior Pakistani diplomats are continuously engaging in diplomatic efforts across various capitals to gather support for the BRICS membership, aiming to counter any obstacles posed by India.
Conclusion
BRICS represents more than an economic bloc; it’s a vision of a multipolar world where emerging economies can take collective action for shared prosperity and stability. For Pakistan, membership in BRICS would mark a step toward not only economic resilience but also strategic autonomy. In a rapidly shifting global landscape, aligning with BRICS would enable Pakistan to diversify its international partnerships, advance its economic goals, and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive world order.
As Pakistan awaits a decision on its membership, its engagement with BRICS remains an important diplomatic endeavor, reflecting its commitment to achieving sustainable growth, fostering regional peace, and gaining a larger role in shaping the future of global governance.
