Applied, invested, still outside: Pakistan is still waiting at the Brics door
Pakistan's bid to join the BRICS bloc remains stalled due to opposition from India, despite the group's recent expansion to include several new nations. Islamabad is seeking membership to bolster its economy and access new funding sources amid ongoing financial difficulties.
Why it matters
The expansion of BRICS represents a significant shift in global economic alliances, and Pakistan's exclusion highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions in South Asia.
Pakistan’s attempt to join Brics remains unresolved as leaders of the grouping gather in New Delhi for the 18th summit. Islamabad formally applied for membership in 2023, but India’s opposition has kept it outside the bloc.Brics originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping expanded in 2024 with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, becoming known as Brics+. Saudi Arabia and Argentina were also invited during the expansion process, although Argentina later declined to join.Islamabad confirmed its application in 2023Pakistan publicly confirmed its Brics membership application in 2023, when the grouping was preparing for a major expansion under Russia’s presidency.Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced the move during her weekly press briefing."Yes, I can confirm that Pakistan has made a formal request to join Brics, which we believe is an important grouping of developing countries," Baloch said.She said Pakistan had friendly…
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