Pakistan’s Aspirations for BRICS Membership Thwarted Amid India's Growing Influence

Pakistan’s efforts to secure a position within the BRICS framework have once again faltered, highlighting the cost of its strained relations with India. Struggling to align with the influential bloc of emerging economies, Pakistan faced rejection not only as a member but also as a partner country—a setback amplified by India’s firm opposition.

In stark contrast, Turkey successfully secured a place as a BRICS partner country, reflecting its pragmatic diplomatic strategy. Notably, Turkey’s shift in approach regarding contentious issues like Kashmir, coupled with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tempered stance, contributed to India’s tacit approval of its bid.

Turkey’s Diplomatic Triumph

The inclusion of 13 new partner countries in BRICS, including Turkey, underscores the bloc’s strategic expansion. Countries like Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Indonesia, and Vietnam will join the partnership from January 1, 2025, but Pakistan is conspicuously absent. Observers attribute Turkey’s success to its diplomatic flexibility, which contrasts sharply with Pakistan’s rigid approach.

President Erdogan’s moderation on the Kashmir issue played a pivotal role in Turkey’s acceptance. Experts suggest this shift prevented India’s opposition, enabling Turkey to leverage its growing international ties to achieve this milestone.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Missteps

Pakistan’s exclusion has drawn sharp criticism domestically, with foreign affairs expert Mariana Babar calling it a “complete failure” of the country’s foreign ministry. Many lament Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on its strategic alliances with China and Russia to secure even a partner status.

As nearly all of Pakistan’s neighbors—including India, China, and Iran—either hold membership or are poised to join BRICS, Islamabad’s absence is glaring. With BRICS expanding its economic footprint, representing almost 50% of the global population, Pakistan’s exclusion from this network limits its ability to tap into emerging markets and reap the benefits of economic collaboration within the bloc.

The Strategic Implications for India

India’s growing influence within BRICS is evident in its ability to shape the bloc’s expansion. By opposing Pakistan’s bid while supporting select entrants like Turkey, India has demonstrated its capacity to use multilateral platforms to strengthen its geopolitical positioning.

The expanded BRICS provides New Delhi with opportunities to engage diverse economies and bolster its leadership aspirations on the global stage. For India, the bloc is not only a tool for advancing economic cooperation but also a strategic instrument to promote a multipolar world order.

Pakistan’s Economic Fallout

Pakistan’s exclusion from BRICS carries significant economic and geopolitical ramifications. By failing to join the bloc, Islamabad misses the opportunity to leverage BRICS’ collective economic power, which could have helped alleviate its financial challenges. Additionally, Pakistan is denied access to the New Development Bank (NDB), which funds infrastructure and sustainable development projects in partner countries.

Moreover, BRICS membership could have allowed Pakistan to diversify trade relations, reduce dependence on Western markets, and access a broader consumer base. The exclusion also diminishes Pakistan’s ability to influence global economic institutions and negotiate favorable trade terms.

Pakistan’s failure to secure a position within BRICS is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by its diplomatic strategies and regional tensions. As Turkey’s success underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic engagement, Pakistan must reassess its foreign policy priorities to navigate an increasingly competitive global landscape.

India’s growing role within BRICS, on the other hand, solidifies its position as a key player in shaping the bloc’s future trajectory, balancing its economic ambitions with its geopolitical objectives.