Islamabad: Pakistan’s determined push to enter BRICS is facing a formidable diplomatic hurdle, with its strained ties with India potentially complicating Islamabad’s ambitions. Despite formally applying for membership in November 2023, Pakistan has yet to secure entry into the influential grouping and continues to lobby member states for support.

For Pakistan, BRICS represents far more than diplomatic prestige. With the country battling economic instability, foreign exchange shortages and mounting debt pressures, Islamabad sees the grouping as a potential gateway to greater trade, investment and alternative sources of development finance.

BRICS originally brought together India, Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa before expanding to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The enlarged grouping has significantly increased its economic and geopolitical weight, making membership increasingly attractive to countries seeking a greater role in the emerging global economic order.

Pakistan Eyes Economic Lifeline Through BRICS

Pakistan’s interest in BRICS is driven largely by economic considerations. Islamabad is seeking new markets, investment opportunities and avenues for financing development projects as it struggles with persistent economic pressures.

According to Pakistan’s economic survey, the country recorded an economic growth rate of 3.70 per cent. Against this backdrop, access to the wider BRICS economic network could provide Pakistan with opportunities to deepen commercial ties with emerging economies and attract additional investment.

Islamabad is also looking closely at the BRICS New Development Bank. According to a Nikkei Asia report, Pakistan has invested around $580 million in the institution. The bank is particularly significant for Islamabad as it explores alternatives to its heavy dependence on traditional international financial institutions, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

The expansion of BRICS has further enhanced its appeal. The enlarged grouping represents around half of the world’s population and accounts for roughly 40 per cent of global GDP on a purchasing power parity basis.

The growing trade significance of BRICS is equally important for India. Available figures show that India’s exports to BRICS countries increased by 48.8 per cent, rising from $64.3 billion to $95.7 billion. The grouping has consequently evolved beyond a diplomatic forum into a major platform for trade and economic cooperation.

Islamabad Applied in 2023

Pakistan formally expressed its desire to join BRICS in November 2023. Then Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described the grouping as an important platform for developing countries and said Pakistan wanted membership to promote international cooperation and inclusive multilateralism.

Islamabad has argued that it maintains friendly relations with most BRICS members and has therefore sought a favourable response to its application.

China, Russia Support Not Enough?

Pakistan has actively attempted to win backing from BRICS members, including Russia. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, had stated that Islamabad was engaging with member states to seek support for its membership bid.

However, securing support from major powers such as China and Russia may not, by itself, guarantee Pakistan’s entry. New members are admitted through the grouping’s established process and the consensus of existing members. Any significant disagreement among key members could therefore complicate Islamabad’s bid.

India Holds the Key Diplomatic Weight

The biggest challenge for Pakistan lies in its relationship with India.

New Delhi is a founding member of BRICS and remains an influential voice within the grouping. India and Pakistan have longstanding political, border and security-related tensions, making Islamabad’s membership bid a sensitive diplomatic issue.

For Pakistan, therefore, the BRICS campaign involves a difficult balancing act. While Islamabad continues to seek support from China, Russia and other members, India’s position cannot be ignored.

Pakistan may be hoping that its economic case will strengthen its credentials for membership, but its tense relationship with India could prove a major obstacle. For Islamabad, the road to BRICS is therefore not simply about winning friends abroad—it is also about navigating the difficult question of whether New Delhi is willing to back its entry.