- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Pakistan's BRICS membership bid submitted in 2023 stalled.
- India's opposition is the primary reason for the delay.
- Unanimous consent rule prevents Pakistan's entry without India.
Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS, submitted in 2023, remains stalled as India’s opposition continues to prevent Islamabad from becoming a member of the grouping.
Pakistan is among 29 countries that have applied to join BRICS. Its push for membership comes amid economic challenges, with the Pakistan Economic Survey reporting a GDP growth rate of 3.70 per cent.
Islamabad has also been looking to diversify its sources of financing. According to a Nikkei Asia report, Pakistan purchased a USD 580 million stake in the BRICS-backed New Development Bank as it seeks to reduce its dependence on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
BRICS Expands, Gains Global South Influence
BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc admitted Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates as new members last year, expanding into BRICS+.
The expanded grouping now represents around 49 per cent of the world's population and about 40 per cent of global GDP on a purchasing power parity basis.
India’s trade with BRICS members has also grown significantly. Its exports to the grouping increased 48.8 per cent, from USD 64.3 billion to USD 95.7 billion.
Pakistan Says It Can Contribute To BRICS
In Nov 2023, Pakistan's Foreign Office announced it had officially submitted the BRICS application and emphasised its association with the majority of its member nations.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described BRICS as an important grouping of developing countries and said Pakistan could contribute to its objectives.
“We believe that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalising inclusive multilateralism”, she said.
“We also hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan's request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism,” she added.
Islamabad Seeks Support From BRICS Members
Pakistan has also been seeking support from existing BRICS members for its application. Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, told Russian news agency TASS that Islamabad was contacting member countries to secure backing, particularly from Russia.
Even with the backing of Moscow and Beijing, Pakistan's attempts to get accepted are held back due to the BRICS rule, which provides for unanimous consent of existing members when admitting new countries. India’s opposition marks a major obstacle to Islamabad’s entry.
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