BRICS 2026: India, Pakistan And BRICS Membership – Why Pakistan Is Still Waiting

BRICS 2026: Why Pakistan Is Still Waiting for BRICS Membership as India, New Delhi, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping Shape the Global South

Pakistan’s ambition to become part of BRICS has remained unresolved years after Islamabad formally applied for membership. As BRICS 2026 brings renewed attention to the growing influence of the Global South, Pakistan is still looking for a route into the influential grouping. However, its membership bid faces a major geopolitical challenge: India’s position.

Pakistan formally applied to join BRICS in 2023, describing the organisation as an important platform for developing countries and international cooperation. Islamabad argued that joining the bloc could give it a greater role in discussions on global governance, economic cooperation and the interests of the Global South.

Pakistan’s BRICS Membership Bid

Pakistan’s application came at a time when BRICS was preparing for major expansion. The grouping subsequently welcomed new full members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, while Indonesia became a full member in 2025. Several other countries were also brought into the BRICS partner-country framework.

Pakistan, however, did not receive the same opportunity. Islamabad continued its diplomatic efforts, seeking support from existing BRICS members, particularly Russia and China.

For Pakistan, BRICS membership could provide diplomatic visibility as well as opportunities for stronger economic cooperation. The bloc includes some of the world’s largest emerging economies and has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for the Global South.

Why India Matters To Pakistan’s Bid

The biggest difficulty for Pakistan is its relationship with India. BRICS expansion depends on consensus among existing members, meaning a prospective member needs broad agreement from the bloc. India’s opposition therefore presents a fundamental obstacle to Islamabad’s ambitions.

The India-Pakistan relationship has been marked by long-running political and security tensions. These differences have also influenced their approaches to international organisations and regional diplomacy.

For Pakistan, this means that support from other major BRICS members may not be enough. Even if countries such as China or Russia are receptive to Islamabad’s application, India’s position remains critically important.

The Role Of New Delhi In BRICS 2026

New Delhi has an increasingly important role in the BRICS conversation as India continues to balance its relationships with Russia, China, the United States and other major economies.

The BRICS 2026 agenda also demonstrates how the organisation is becoming more significant in debates about international trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and global governance. Recent discussions involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have highlighted efforts to strengthen BRICS cooperation and create new mechanisms for economic growth.

At the same time, China’s influence remains significant. President Xi Jinping and China’s wider engagement with BRICS are closely watched as the organisation expands its economic and geopolitical reach.

Why Pakistan Wants To Join BRICS

Pakistan sees BRICS as an opportunity to strengthen its international economic and diplomatic position. Membership could potentially improve access to cooperation with major emerging economies and increase Islamabad’s participation in discussions affecting developing countries.

Pakistan also has substantial trade and economic relationships with several BRICS members. China is particularly important to Pakistan, while Russia has become an increasingly relevant diplomatic partner.

The country has additionally shown interest in the BRICS-backed New Development Bank. However, participation in BRICS-related financial institutions does not automatically guarantee full membership of the political and economic grouping.

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Pakistan’s Economic Challenges

Geopolitics is not the only issue surrounding Pakistan’s application. Economic fundamentals are another important consideration.

Pakistan has faced persistent challenges involving debt, inflation, currency stability, external financing and balance-of-payments pressures. The country’s repeated reliance on international financial assistance has raised questions about its economic resilience.

Joining BRICS could potentially offer new avenues for economic cooperation, but membership alone would not solve Pakistan’s structural economic problems. Islamabad would still need to improve domestic economic stability, investment conditions and long-term growth.

Will Pakistan Join BRICS?

For now, Pakistan’s BRICS journey remains uncertain. Islamabad has demonstrated continued interest, while the organisation itself has become considerably larger and more influential since Pakistan submitted its application.

However, the consensus-based nature of BRICS expansion makes India’s position particularly important. Unless the diplomatic circumstances change, Pakistan may continue waiting outside the bloc despite support from some other member states.

Read more: BRICS Summit Delhi: Modi Govt Cuts VIP Convoys, Ministers, CMs To Travel In One Bus

The question is therefore bigger than Pakistan’s application alone. BRICS 2026 reflects a changing international system in which countries across the Global South are seeking greater influence in global institutions. India, China and Russia remain central players in that transformation, with New Delhi, Moscow and Beijing shaping many of the bloc’s strategic discussions.

For Pakistan, securing BRICS membership will require more than an application. It will require sustained diplomacy, stronger economic credibility and, most importantly, a political environment in which all existing members can agree on its admission.

Until then, Pakistan’s bid remains a waiting game.

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