Pakistan’s possible BRICS accession is likely to benefit China, but not India

Russia’s support for Pakistan’s accession to the BRICS has sparked a debate about India’s stance on the issue, with analysts saying the accession could increase China’s influence within the bloc at New Delhi’s expense.

Last week, Russia said it would support Pakistan’s efforts to join BRICS, an intergovernmental organization designed to counterbalance Western-dominated institutions. Both countries agreed to strengthen their trade and cultural ties.

“We are pleased that Pakistan has applied… We will support this,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said on Wednesday at a press conference in Islamabad following talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Abhishek Sharma, a research fellow in the strategic studies program at the Observer Research Foundation, a Delhi-based think tank, said India was unlikely to support further expansion of the BRICS in the coming years.

“Even if membership in the next tranche happens at a later date, it will be difficult for Pakistan to qualify for membership given the stringent criteria, procedures and rules it is likely to have to meet,” Sharma said, adding that any new BRICS member would have to maintain friendly relations with all existing members or engage in substantial trade with member states.