Pakistan has formally applied to join the BRICS, a significant group of developing nations. After a gap of 13 years, BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, earlier this year in August the group expanded when it agreed to take in six new members.
The decision was taken during the three-day BRICS summit under the presidency of South Africa in Johannesburg. The membership of these six countries including — Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will become operational starting January 1, 2024.
On the inclusion /expansion of the bloc Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that these countries would “give new energy and direction to the grouping”. The bloc was formed back in 2009 and in 2010 South Africa came on board.
Sharing his views with Financial Express Online, former Ambassador Anil Trigunayat says: “BRICS is essentially an economic grouping and certain criteria have been laid down at the Johannesburg Summit for admitting new members by invitation.”
Adding, “There are 40+ countries that are hoping to join the BRICS and Pakistan may be one of them. Given its current economic plight it may be way off the mark despite its proximity to China.”
According to the Pakistan media outlet ARY News, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has confirmed the request for joining the bloc during the weekly news briefing in Islamabad. She said that the decision was taken after having noted the BRICS-related developments at the summit in Johannesburg. And by joining the bloc, she said Pakistan can play a significant role in furthering international cooperation and also in revitalising inclusive multilateralism.
Nations like Pakistan, aspiring to join BRICS, perceive it as an alternative to global entities often seen as controlled by Western powers. They anticipate that BRICS membership will open doors to advantages like development funding, enhanced trade, and increased investments.
Sergey Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, disclosed in early October that BRICS aimed to finalize a roster of candidates for partner-state status before the 2024 summit in Kazan. During Russia’s BRICS leadership, a particular focus will be on broadening the “circle of BRICS friends,” particularly in Latin America.
In recent years, the relationship between Pakistan and Russia has strengthened. This is evident in Pakistan securing discounted crude oil from Moscow after Russian exports faced restrictions in European markets due to the Ukraine invasion. Pakistan received its initial government-imported crude oil shipment in June, marking a significant development.