Pakistan’s BRICS Bid: A Geopolitical Chess Move in a Shifting Global Landscape

by Hammad Baloch    18 December 2023

In a recent geopolitical maneuver, Pakistan formally expressed its desire to join the BRICS alliance, a grouping of major emerging economies consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. At a time when BRICS is expanding its global influence, Pakistan’s application reflects the shifting dynamics of international relations. As the bloc already decided to incorporate six new countries in the coming year, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, Pakistan’s bid adds another layer of complexity to the group’s composition.

BRICS, representing over 40% of the world’s population and nearly a third of the global economy, is positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South. The alliance’s expansion underscores its aspirations for a more inclusive and multilateral approach to global affairs. However, as Pakistan seeks to join this influential club, there are questions about the bloc’s cohesion, objectives, and the potential implications of rapid expansion.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, described BRICS as an “important group of developing countries” and emphasized Pakistan’s potential to play a crucial role in international cooperation and inclusive multilateralism. While India, Pakistan’s arch-rival, has not publicly reacted to the membership bid, there is skepticism among some Indian security and foreign policy officials. A senior Indian official, speaking anonymously, expressed reservations about Pakistan’s application, suggesting that BRICS should establish stronger institutional filters and rigorous entry requirements for prospective members. Ajay Bisaria, a former high commissioner to Pakistan, urged BRICS to pause and reflect on its objectives and value proposition for its members. He cautioned against rapid expansion, emphasizing that BRICS was initially conceived as a collection of like-minded, middle-income countries with intersecting interests.

The skepticism around Pakistan’s bid highlights the complexities within BRICS. The alliance has struggled to present a unified front due to the 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 been more subdued in their aspirations. The ongoing strategic rivalry between China and India has been a significant factor undermining the cohesion of BRICS. The bloc, intended to be a coalition of like-minded nations, is grappling with divergent political ideologies, economic structures, and policy frameworks. As BRICS expands, the challenge lies in maintaining a sense of unity amid these differences.

Pakistan’s active engagement with BRICS members, especially China and Russia, is crucial for its membership bid. China, being a major financial backer for Pakistan, is likely to support its entry. Russia’s stance, as the host of the next BRICS summit, becomes pivotal in determining the success of Pakistan’s application. Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, acknowledged efforts to seek Russia’s support. He emphasized Pakistan’s desire to be part of this significant organization and the ongoing process of contacting member countries, with a special focus on securing Russia’s backing.

However, the geopolitical chessboard reveals underlying motives. Some analysts argue that China, the driving force behind BRICS, is using the alliance to advance its geopolitical ambitions. By including Pakistan, a close ally of China, Beijing could further consolidate its influence within the bloc. This move aligns with China’s 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, aiming to pressure New Delhi to align more closely with Beijing’s interests or possibly exit the group.

India, on the other hand, is wary of BRICS 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 that endorses Beijing’s agenda. This has prompted India to resist such a trajectory, fearing that BRICS might lose its original purpose and become a tool for advancing China’s interests. As Pakistan’s BRICS bid unfolds, it adds a layer of complexity to 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 seeks to be an active participant in this influential grouping, the bloc itself faces a critical juncture – to redefine its objectives, maintain internal harmony, and navigate the delicate balance of geopolitical interests.

In conclusion, the geopolitical chess move of Pakistan’s BRICS bid signifies a broader recalibration of alliances and influence in the shifting global landscape. As the bloc 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.