Pakistan formally submitted its application to join BRICS in 2023, yet its membership remains in limbo. Despite the group welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as new members last year, Islamabad still hasn’t secured a green light. India’s reluctance, grounded in BRICS’ requirement for unanimous consent, serves as the chief barrier.
The month following its application, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate stood at 3.70%, underscoring the urgency driving its BRICS bid. Islamabad is counting on BRICS to alleviate its financial woes and diversify options beyond traditional institutions such as the World Bank and IMF.
What exactly is keeping Pakistan’s membership from being approved?
## India’s Veto Holds the Key
BRICS’ admission protocols stipulate that all full member nations must consent unanimously when admitting new members. While Beijing and Moscow have expressed support for Pakistan’s membership, India has blocked the application—maintaining its stance as a decisive hurdle.
Though Shanghai Cooperation Organisation talks and diplomatic exchanges are ongoing, India has not indicated any shift in position. This assurance of opposition continues to stall Pakistan’s entry despite broader community support among current BRICS members.
## Islamabad’s Push to Gain Support
– Pakistani Foreign Office has stressed that Pakistan considers BRICS an “important group of developing countries” and insists membership would enhance global cooperation.
– Pakistan has directly solicited backing from Russia, China, and other BRICS members.
– In parallel, Islamabad purchased a stake of $580 million in the New Development Bank, a financial institution backed by BRICS, to reduce dependency on Western lenders.
## What Pakistan Stands to Gain
Joining BRICS would place Pakistan within a forum of influential global South economies. The expanded bloc now represents roughly 49% of the world’s population and nearly 40% of global GDP calculated at purchasing power parity.
Trade between India and other BRICS members has surged. Between recent reporting periods, India’s exports to the group jumped 48.8%, rising from USD 64.3 billion to USD 95.7 billion. Islamabad believes that affiliation with BRICS could similarly uplift trading prospects and strengthen its economic resilience.
## Challenges Ahead
Despite diplomatic advances, India’s position remains unchanged. Under BRICS rules, any full or partner country must gain consensus among existing members for membership approval.
Pakistan says BRICS has emphasized inclusive multilateralism. It is urging member nations to act in alignment with that principle when considering its application.
## Economic Context
Pakistan’s move comes amid financial fragility. With GDP growth at 3.7%, the nation is saddled with mounting economic pressures, inflation, and a need for fresh investment and trade opportunities.
Seeking equity in the New Development Bank signals Pakistan’s commitment to pursuing multilateral solutions to offset its reliance on IMF and World Bank funding.
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