The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi, with top leaders of the grouping in attendance. Amid the proceedings, an interesting subplot has resurfaced: Pakistan’s long-running efforts to join the bloc have still not borne fruit. Islamabad formally applied for BRICS membership back in 2023, but strong opposition from India has kept the country out of the grouping ever since.
BRICS originally comprised only Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In 2024, the bloc expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, transforming it into what is now referred to as “BRICS+.” As part of that expansion process, Saudi Arabia and Argentina were also invited to join, though Argentina subsequently declined to become a member.
Islamabad’s application in 2023
Pakistan publicly confirmed its application for BRICS membership in 2023, at a time when the bloc, then chaired by Russia, was preparing for a major expansion. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch officially announced this at a press briefing, stating that Pakistan had formally sought to join BRICS, which it regards as an important grouping of developing nations. She noted that Pakistan maintains friendly relations with the majority of BRICS member states as well as with the countries invited to join. She also pointed to Pakistan’s participation in, and support for, multilateral organisations working toward international peace and development.
“We believe Pakistan can play an important role in strengthening international cooperation and reviving comprehensive multilateralism through BRICS membership,” she said. Baloch made this announcement at a time when BRICS was preparing to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These new members formally joined the bloc at the 2024 summit held in Russia.
Pakistan seeking financial support through BRICS
Pakistan is one of 29 countries that have applied for BRICS membership. The primary driver behind Islamabad’s efforts is its economic crisis and the resulting need to find new sources of funding. According to Pakistan’s Economic Survey, the country’s GDP growth rate stood at 3.70 percent. According to a Nikkei Asia report, Pakistan purchased a $580 million stake in the BRICS-backed New Development Bank. Islamabad’s decision was aimed at reducing its dependence on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and at widening its avenues for financial assistance.
India’s opposition blocking Pakistan’s entry
Despite applying in 2023 and despite the bloc’s subsequent expansion, Pakistan has still not secured BRICS membership. India’s veto power within BRICS’s decision-making process has effectively blocked Islamabad’s entry. Pakistan is pursuing membership against a backdrop of regional tensions and strained relations with India. While Islamabad presents this membership bid as part of its broader economic and diplomatic strategy, India’s firm opposition has remained the principal obstacle.
At the 2023 press briefing, Baloch also called on Afghan authorities to take action against terrorist organisations operating from Afghan soil. She further reiterated Pakistan’s demand for an international peace conference on the Palestinian issue and for the implementation of United Nations resolutions in support of a two-state solution.