by Shaimin Raja 23 December 2023
In a strategic geopolitical play, Pakistan has officially communicated its interest in joining the BRICS alliance, a coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This move comes at a pivotal moment as BRICS, representing over 40% of the world’s population and nearly a third of the global economy, is expanding its global influence. The recent decision to admit six new countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, adds complexity to the dynamics of this influential grouping.
The BRICS alliance aims to position itself as a leading voice for the Global South, advocating for a more inclusive and multilateral approach to global affairs. However, as Pakistan seeks membership, questions arise regarding the alliance’s cohesion, objectives, and the potential ramifications of accelerated expansion. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized BRICS as an “important group of developing countries” and underscored Pakistan’s potential to contribute significantly to international cooperation and inclusive multilateralism. While India, Pakistan’s traditional adversary, has yet to respond to the membership bid publicly, there are indications of skepticism among some Indian security and foreign policy officials.
A senior Indian official, speaking anonymously, expressed reservations about Pakistan’s application, proposing that BRICS institute more robust institutional filters and stringent entry requirements for prospective members. Ajay Bisaria, a former high commissioner to Pakistan, cautioned against hasty expansion, emphasizing that BRICS was initially conceived as a coalition of like-minded, middle-income countries with intersecting interests. The skepticism surrounding Pakistan’s bid underscores the intricate challenges within BRICS. The alliance has grappled with presenting a unified front due to diverse political systems, economic scales, and strategic rivalries among its member states. While China and Russia envision BRICS as a counterweight to Western dominance, other members have approached the alliance with more restrained aspirations.
The ongoing strategic rivalry between China and India has been a significant obstacle to the cohesion of BRICS. Originally conceived as a coalition of like-minded nations, BRICS faces challenges from divergent political ideologies, economic structures, and policy frameworks. As the alliance expands, the challenge lies in preserving unity amid these differences. For Pakistan, active engagement with BRICS members, particularly China and Russia, is pivotal for a successful membership bid. China, a substantial financial supporter of Pakistan, is likely to endorse its entry, while Russia’s stance, as the host of the upcoming BRICS summit, becomes crucial for Pakistan’s aspirations.
Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, acknowledged ongoing efforts to seek Russia’s support. He highlighted Pakistan’s desire to be an integral part of this significant organization and the ongoing diplomatic outreach to member countries, with a special emphasis on securing Russia’s backing.
However, beneath the surface of diplomatic niceties lies a geopolitical chessboard with underlying motives. Analysts suggest that China, the driving force behind BRICS, may be utilizing the alliance to further its geopolitical ambitions. Including Pakistan, a close ally of China, could enhance Beijing’s influence within the bloc, aligning with its broader strategy of shaping BRICS into a China-friendly platform, potentially sidelining dissenting voices. Shanthie Mariet D’Souza, founder of Mantraya, an independent research forum, suggests that China perceives India as a bottleneck within BRICS due to its growing ties with the United States. Chinese media aligned with the government has questioned India’s position within BRICS, attempting to pressure New Delhi to align more closely with Beijing’s interests or consider exiting the group.
On India’s part, there is a cautious approach to prevent BRICS from transforming into an anti-West, anti-U.S. alliance. The inclusion of countries aligned with China’s foreign policies and global outlook could reshape BRICS into a bloc endorsing Beijing’s agenda. India resists such a trajectory, fearing that BRICS might deviate from its original purpose and become a tool for advancing China’s interests. As Pakistan’s BRICS bid unfolds, it injects an additional layer of complexity into the alliance’s evolving dynamics. The struggle for unity, coupled with geopolitical rivalries, raises questions about BRICS’ ability to present a cohesive front. While Pakistan aims to be an active participant in this influential grouping, BRICS itself faces a critical juncture – the need to redefine its objectives, maintain internal harmony, and navigate the delicate balance of geopolitical interests.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s geopolitical chess move in the BRICS arena signifies a broader recalibration of alliances and influence in the ever-shifting global landscape. As the alliance expands, the challenge lies in striking a balance between diversity and cohesion, ensuring that BRICS remains a relevant and effective force in the complex arena of international relations. The evolving dynamics of BRICS, coupled with the ambitions of its aspiring members, add a fascinating chapter to the unfolding narrative of global geopolitics.