Pakistan's Brics Bid Stalls Amid India's Opposition
· wellness
Applied, Invested, Still Outside: Pakistan Is Still Waiting at the Brics Door
The 18th Brics summit in New Delhi has once again highlighted the lingering uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s bid to join the grouping. Islamabad formally applied for membership in 2023, but India’s opposition has been a persistent roadblock.
The original intent of Brics was to provide a platform for emerging economies to cooperate and counterbalance Western dominance. Over time, however, the bloc has become increasingly selective in its membership expansion. The inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024 marked a significant shift, with Saudi Arabia and Argentina also invited – but Argentina declined.
Pakistan’s application is closely tied to its economic struggles. With a GDP growth rate of 3.70 per cent, Islamabad is seeking new sources of funding to alleviate its financial woes. The country’s $580 million stake in the Brics-backed New Development Bank is an example of this effort, aimed at reducing dependence on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
India’s veto power within Brics has effectively blocked Pakistan’s entry, casting a long shadow over Islamabad’s bid for membership. This development cannot be seen in isolation from the wider regional context. The strained relations between India and Pakistan have been a persistent issue, with tensions exacerbated by the region’s complex security landscape. Pakistan’s efforts to present membership as part of its economic and diplomatic strategy are admirable but ultimately undermined by New Delhi’s opposition.
Brics’ selective expansion raises questions about its commitment to multilateralism. By excluding certain countries while inviting others, Brics appears to be walking a fine line between solidarity with developing nations and strategic self-interest. The bloc’s shifting priorities are evident in its recent expansion, which has sparked concerns about its inclusivity.
As Brics navigates these complexities, the long-term implications of Pakistan’s stalled membership bid remain uncertain. Will Islamabad eventually secure entry into this exclusive club? Or will India’s opposition prove insurmountable? One thing is clear: the consequences of inaction will be felt across the region.
The 18th Brics summit has brought to the forefront the nuances of a grouping that prides itself on inclusivity but often operates with an air of exclusivity. As Islamabad waits at the door, it’s time for Brics to confront its own contradictions and reevaluate the criteria for membership. The world is watching; will Brics deliver on its promise of inclusive multilateralism, or will Pakistan remain outside looking in?
Reader Views
- TCThe Calm Desk · editorial
The Brics bid is stuck in neutral, and Islamabad's economic woes are paying the price. While Pakistan's application for membership makes sense on paper – it's a logical step to diversify funding sources and reduce dependence on Western-dominated institutions – New Delhi's opposition is a harsh reality check. The Brics expansion has become increasingly politicized, with countries like Saudi Arabia invited but not Egypt, despite similar economic profiles. It's time for the bloc to clarify its membership criteria and stop playing geopolitics with Pakistan's future.
- DMDr. Maya O. · behavioral researcher
Pakistan's Brics bid is caught in a paradox: while the bloc touts its commitment to multilateralism, its selective expansion reveals a more nuanced reality. The addition of Egypt and Ethiopia raises questions about Pakistan's exclusion - are Islamabad's economic woes and geopolitical tensions with India simply too great a hurdle? One possible explanation lies in the strategic interests at play within Brics. By limiting membership to countries that share its ideological and economic goals, the bloc may be prioritizing internal cohesion over external expansion, potentially compromising its multilateral ideals.
- ANAlex N. · habit coach
The Brics expansion is becoming increasingly politicized, with membership decisions influenced by regional rivalries rather than economic merit. Pakistan's bid is a prime example of this trend. While Islamabad may be seeking funding and diplomatic leverage through Brics membership, its own economic challenges are likely to persist unless structural reforms are implemented. India's opposition raises questions about the bloc's commitment to multilateralism and fair competition among member states. Will Brics' selective expansion undermine its stated goals?