Islamabad: Pakistan has once again appealed to Russia to become a member of BRICS. The President’s Office of Pakistan has given this information in a statement issued after the meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman of the Council of the Russian Federation Valentiny Matvienko. Earlier, Pakistan had also expressed hope of becoming a member of the group in the BRICS summit meeting held in Kazan, Russia, but after India’s opposition, Pakistan did not get entry. Not only this, Pakistan was not even made a dialogue partner. Now once again Pakistan has pleaded with Russia. In the statement issued by the Pakistani President’s Office, it has been said that ‘Zardari has sought support from Moscow for the membership of BRICS. This will help Pakistan increase its role in regional and global cooperation through alliance. The statement further said that both sides also resolved to promote relations in the areas of trade, commerce, investment, agriculture and energy for the mutual benefit of both the countries.
Pakistan not invited to BRICS meeting
Pakistan had applied for BRICS membership in November last year. However, it did not even get an invitation to the BRICS meeting held in Kazan, Russia this month. In a recent media briefing, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had confirmed not receiving the invitation.
Baloch said, ‘Pakistan is not a member of BRICS. As a developing country and a strong supporter of inclusive multilateralism, Pakistan believes that it can make an important contribution to this group. He further said that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in taking forward international cooperation.
What is BRICS?
BRICS was established jointly by Brazil, Russia, India and China. Later South Africa was also included in it. The group has been named BRICS after these countries. This block of the world’s major emerging economies has also included Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, taking the number of its members to 9.
Interview: Exploring Pakistan’s BRICS Aspirations
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic regarding Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS—a group that holds significant geopolitical weight. We have with us Dr. Amina Khansari, an expert in international relations and South Asian politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khansari!
Dr. Amina Khansari: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent developments. Pakistan has once again made an appeal to Russia for membership in BRICS. What do you think prompted this renewed effort after its previous setback?
Dr. Khansari: Pakistan’s appeal to Russia is indeed a significant move. After its earlier attempts at the BRICS summit in Kazan were thwarted by India’s opposition, it’s clear that Pakistan sees Russia as a potential ally in its aspirations. The strategic alliance between Pakistan and Russia has been growing, especially in the context of balancing against Indian influence in the region. By reaching out to Russia, Pakistan is hoping to leverage its relationship to gain broader support for its BRICS membership.
Editor: That makes sense. The geopolitical dynamics are certainly complex. Can you elaborate on why BRICS membership is so important for Pakistan?
Dr. Khansari: Being part of BRICS would provide Pakistan with a platform to enhance its economic ties with major emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It could mean greater access to investment, trade opportunities, and collaboration on various developmental projects. Furthermore, membership would improve Pakistan’s international standing and give it a voice in discussions that shape economic and political agendas globally.
Editor: We’ve seen India’s firm opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion. What are the implications of such a stance for regional politics?
Dr. Khansari: India’s opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion reflects the competitive nature of politics in South Asia. It underscores the longstanding rivalry and distrust between the two nations. This kind of geopolitical contest can prevent collaborative initiatives that might address shared regional challenges, such as economic development and security concerns. Additionally, it can potentially drive Pakistan closer to China and Russia, further complicating regional dynamics.
Editor: In your view, how should Pakistan navigate its relationship with Russia and other BRICS nations to overcome these challenges?
Dr. Khansari: Pakistan must pursue a multi-faceted approach. It should continue to cultivate its relationship with Russia, emphasizing mutual benefits, particularly in energy and security cooperation. At the same time, Pakistan needs to engage more diplomatically with other BRICS members to foster goodwill and demonstrate its commitment to contributing to the group’s objectives. Building a coalition with smaller or neutral BRICS countries could also help in mitigating India’s influence and garnering wider support.
Editor: These strategies sound feasible. In the context of global shifts, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions between China and the West, how might these factors impact Pakistan’s quest for BRICS membership?
Dr. Khansari: Global geopolitical shifts greatly influence such alliances. Pakistan’s relationship with Russia, especially amid the Ukraine crisis, presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it can deepen ties with Russia as they might seek to strengthen their partnerships against Western hegemony. On the other hand, any perceived alignment with Russia might further alienate Western powers. Thus, Pakistan’s diplomatic balance will be critical in ensuring it doesn’t become isolated while pursuing its BRICS ambitions.
Editor: Very insightful, Dr. Khansari. Before we wrap up, what do you foresee as the next steps for Pakistan in this context?
Dr. Khansari: Pakistan should actively continue its diplomatic outreach to BRICS nations, especially focusing on Russia and China. It needs to showcase its potential contributions to BRICS, such as enhanced trade connectivity through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Building a narrative around peace, development, and economic cooperation will be essential to sway opinions in its favor.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khansari, for your valuable insights on this intriguing aspect of international relations. It’s clear that Pakistan’s quest for BRICS membership is a dynamic and multifaceted challenge.
Dr. Khansari: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important issue.
Editor: And thank you, readers, for tuning into this insightful discussion on Pakistan’s aspirations in the BRICS framework. Stay with us for more updates on international affairs.