By Naseem Sabzal
The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Alexie Overchuk, recently visited Islamabad with a bucket of bilateral interests. Among defense, trade, and other joint talks, backing Pakistan’s bid for BRICS membership was the foremost and most noteworthy support from the Russian Deputy PM.
With the rising multipolar system, the role of regional arrangements and organization has become vital in the foreign policy of states to ensure a backup in any international fiasco. BRICS is an opportunity at the doorstep for Pakistan, which offers economic, political, and diplomatic interests and will bolster Pakistan’s diplomatic standing in the region by maintaining relations with emerging powers.
BRICS offers a diplomatic platform to engage with member states. Since Pakistan and India have many disputes to sort out diplomatically, including water disputes and border issues, trade and security concerns are also on the list to resolve. BRICS can help both states improve relations and strengthen regionalism only if Modi’s Hindutva regime does not create hurdles for Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS. This will serve as a test case for New Delhi’s intentions to improve ties with Pakistan and put an end to the blame game against Pakistan in other international forums.
But what can BRICS really bring to Pakistan? An average Pakistani may ponder this question, considering their personal economic status within society and the nation’s declining economy. Pakistan is going through many economic challenges on a micro and macro level. Our economy has become overly dependent on the IMF, foreign aid, and loans. BRICS has developed its own banking system “The New Development Bank” which is a green light for underdeveloped and developing economies like Pakistan, taking into account the international financial system is dominated by the West.
Economic relations always thrive in the light of beneficial political relations. Diplomatic engagement opens the doors of other opportunities for the protection of national interests, and alliances are the most trusted forums states can exploit for such purposes. BRICS is expanding with the addition of Iran, Egypt, the UAE, and Ethiopia; some countries may join in the near future. It is always trust that brings states close. Pakistan can enjoy this environment of trust between BRICS members by engaging emerging powers from their respective regions to boost its exports, explore their markets, and incentivize its economy. BRICS membership could address, such as energy, infrastructure, and debt relief issues. Keeping in mind that BRICS comprises 35% of global GDP with 60 trillion dollars’ worth.
While tracking down the other options of joining BRICS, the geopolitical importance of Pakistan allows it to win the trust of major powers due to its significant geographical location on the map. Two of the most important BRICS members, Russia and China, are also permanent members of the Security Council. As the alliances in the west and the Asia-Pacific are emerging in the era of multi-polarity. It affects the strategic interests of Pakistan if it is left out of any alliance or strategic partnership, noting that the Indian presence in the BRICS and the QUAD and strong relations with the US, Japan, and Russia have extended the options of sustaining its foreign policy. The changing power structure of international politics is redefining the geopolitics of the world, where states seek shelter in alliances.
From the historical experiences of the SEATO and the CENTO, Pakistan may not be certain to join security alliances, but BRICS has Economic, Social and Diplomatic interests a core priority for Uplift of Global South in the wake of Competing environment in the international political arena. To challenge Western-dominated alliances, BRICS must establish a robust organizational structure and achieve financial independence.
Pakistan’s ties with Russia and China are becoming more robust. But geopolitical challenges for CPEC and South Asia can be addressed from regional platforms like BRICS to pave the way for the emergence of regions through mutual understanding and interests. The South Asian region holds immense significance in the geopolitical discourse of international politics. BRICS can help Global South and South Asia to cope with collective issues of Economy, Climate, Energy and development from a strong regional platform.
Author: Naseem Sabzal – Research Assistant at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN) Quetta.
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).