India Blocks Pakistan's BRICS Entry Bid

Pakistan's bid to join the BRICS coalition of emerging economies has been stalled due to opposition from India. Pakistan applied for BRICS membership in 2023, as the grouping expanded beyond its original five members. The country's push to join BRICS is driven by its economic challenges and efforts to diversify international financing options.

The Pakistan Economic Survey reported a GDP growth rate of 3.70 per cent, highlighting the need for new economic partnerships. Pakistan has purchased a $580 million stake in the BRICS-backed New Development Bank, seeking to reduce its dependence on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

BRICS has gained greater recognition as a prominent platform representing the Global South, with the bloc now accounting for around 49 per cent of the world's population and about 40 per cent of global GDP on a purchasing power parity basis. India's trade with BRICS countries has also increased significantly, with exports rising 48.8 per cent to $95.7 billion.

In November 2023, Pakistan's Foreign Office confirmed that Islamabad had formally sought membership of BRICS. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Pakistan maintained warm ties with most BRICS members and believed that joining the grouping would allow the country to play an important role in furthering international cooperation.

Pakistan has sought support from individual BRICS members for its application, including Russia and China. However, despite support from Moscow and Beijing, Pakistan's bid remains stalled due to India's opposition. Under BRICS' consensus-based admission process, the approval of all existing members is required for the admission of new full members or partner countries.

India's opposition to Pakistan's membership bid is a major obstacle to Islamabad's efforts to enter the expanded Global South grouping. The BRICS coalition has expanded to include new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, but Pakistan's application remains pending.

The stalled bid highlights the complexities of regional geopolitics and the challenges of building economic partnerships in the face of political tensions. As the Global South continues to grow in importance, the BRICS coalition is likely to play a increasingly significant role in shaping international economic cooperation.

In the context of India-Pakistan relations, the stalled bid is a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Despite efforts to build economic partnerships, political differences continue to pose a significant obstacle to cooperation. The BRICS coalition's expansion and Pakistan's bid for membership have highlighted the need for greater regional cooperation and economic diplomacy.

The outcome of Pakistan's bid remains uncertain, with India's opposition continuing to pose a significant challenge. However, the country's efforts to diversify its international financing options and build new economic partnerships are likely to continue, driven by its economic challenges and the need for greater cooperation in the region.

In conclusion, Pakistan's bid to join the BRICS coalition has been stalled due to India's opposition, highlighting the complexities of regional geopolitics and the challenges of building economic partnerships in the face of political tensions. The outcome of the bid remains uncertain, but the country's efforts to build new economic partnerships are likely to continue, driven by its economic challenges and the need for greater cooperation in the region.