Pakistan is making a bold move by applying to join the BRICS group of nations in 2024, Sputnik has learned from a source close to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
With Russia's assistance being sought during the membership process, Pakistan's newly appointed Ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, expressed the country's desire to be part of this significant organization.
While India's reaction to Pakistan's admission in BRICS remains a key concern, Pakistan is actively reaching out to member countries, particularly Russia and China, for support.
As BRICS prepares to expand its alliance by inviting six additional countries, including Pakistan, the dynamics of this influential group are set to change.
Pakistan Counts on Russia & China's Support in Joining BRICS
According to an interview with the international media recently appointed Pakistani envoy to Russia, Md Khalid Jamali, Islamabad sought to join the group under Russia's president. He also said Pakistan is contacting other members to express support for Pakistan's membership in general and the Russian Federation in particular.
The group is made up of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, which has the second-largest economy in the world. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, and Egypt are the six countries that will join the group in 2024. Bangladesh also wants to join the BRICS group with the help of these countries.
The upcoming BRICS summit in 2024 will undoubtedly shed light on the outcome of Pakistan's bid for membership.
For this purpose, Sputnik approached some experts, researchers, and analysts, about the challenges and benefits of Pakistan in the context of BRICS membership and how they see the current development.
India's Veto Likely Major Challenge for Pakistan's Bid
Dr. Nazir Hussain, a Pakistan-based geopolitical expert, said, “Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS will change South Asian politics and competition from geopolitics to geo-economics; it would be a paradigm shift, especially from the rivalry perspectives of India, China, and Pakistan.”
Additionally, he said, “In this case, India is the major challenge because last year India used veto power to block Pakistan’s application for BRICS. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s economic crisis is a much more serious bottleneck in this forum. Therefore, it is a matter of fact for the betterment of the economy, import-export cycle, and trade from these countries; in order for Pakistan’s economic revival, it should be part of this organization for collective and regional development.”
Sputnik asked a geopolitical analyst about the role of China and Russia in the process of evaluating Pakistan’s inclusion in the BRICS.
He said, “It is a world of national interest; China and Russia also have their geo-economic and geo-strategic interests in the region. China wants to accomplish its Belt and Road initiative BRI through this forum, and without Pakistan, it would be difficult to complete this mega project timely and efficiently, but in this regard, India’s stance against Pakistan's inclusion is one of the main hurdles for China and Russia to ensure Pakistan’s membership.”
From the perspective of geopolitical and geo-strategical interests, Sputnik correspondents asked experts about India’s opposition to Pakistan’s BRICS membership and its impact on the regional bloc, particularly in light of India’s own strategic partnerships with China and Pakistan.
He remarked, “As we know, India is already in the BRICS group and also having a great honeymoon with the USA, so it cannot oppose Pakistan’s inclusion in the BRICS. It, however, depends upon the Russians' and Chinese’s diplomacy as to how they make it worth convincing India at this time.”
Moreover, he said, “Unfortunately, Pakistan is still in the US and European Union’s camps. In this way, she would definitely confront hindrances from the US and EU sides. It is a right time Pakistan should decide to be part of this organization like other regional countries did and should say to the US a final good-bye.”
In this regard, Sputnik also approached Taimur Fahad Khan, a foreign policy analyst and researcher associated with the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad.
He expressed, “Pakistan's possible inclusion in BRICS would have a positive impact on the geopolitical landscape in South Asia and beyond. This will result in comprehensive representation of South Asia in the group and enhance the overall strength and image of the economic bloc.”
Khan emphasized: “Pakistan's inclusion will encourage other countries in the region and beyond to join BRICS, paving the way for other prospective members.”
Lastly, Khan said, “Pakistan's bid to join the organization would face major hurdles, including India's fierce opposition and the likelihood of political and economic pressure from Western allies and the US. Looks like Pakistan has a tough nut to crack!”