Pakistan’s BRICS Ambitions in 2025: Diplomacy, Economics & Strategic Leverage

Background & Expansion of BRICS Pakistan’s Application & Support Geopolitical Challenges & India Factor Economic Stakes & Uraan Plan Diplomatic Strategy & China–Russia Role Conclusion & Outlook

1. Background & Expansion of BRICS

BRICS—originally Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—launched in 2006, expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE effective January 1, 2024, and added Indonesia in January 2025, making it a broader “BRICS Plus” grouping 1. The expansion reflects growing appeal among Global South countries seeking alternatives to Western‑led financial structures 2.

BRICS aims to amplify the voice of emerging markets and promote multipolar global governance. While its institutions like the New Development Bank remain modest compared to the IMF or World Bank, it continues to attract countries seeking solidarity, economic collaboration, and financial diversification 3.

2. Pakistan’s Application & Support

Pakistan formally applied for BRICS membership in November 2023 4. In early 2025, the Foreign Office reaffirmed unequivocal commitment: there is “no change in policy… we continue our efforts to become a full member” despite external pressures 5.

Russia publicly backed Pakistan’s bid. During a September 2024 visit, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk affirmed Moscow’s support and highlighted deepening trade ties and cooperation under SCO frameworks 6.

3. Geopolitical Challenges & the India Factor

Pakistan faces a major obstacle: India’s implicit or explicit veto power within BRICS. Analysts note India is unlikely to approve Pakistan’s entry, given ongoing bilateral tensions and strategic rivalry 7.

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador in China noted BRICS risks credibility if it excludes Pakistan on the basis of India’s objection, undermining its principle of sovereign equality 8.

At the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in June 2025, India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized Pakistan for failing to act against terrorist infrastructure on its soil—a charge that further hardens India’s position in opposing Pakistan’s inclusion 9.

4. Economic Stakes & Pakistan’s Internal Strategy

4.1 Economic Crisis & External Borrowing

Pakistan endured a severe economic crisis from 2022‑2024: high inflation, balance‑of‑payments strain, and dependency on external credit. In the fiscal year ending mid‑2025, Pakistan borrowed a record US $26.7 billion, exacerbating its debt burden and reliance on multilateral and bilateral lenders 10.

Yet by June 2025, macroeconomic indicators began improving. Sovereign credit risk declined by 12%, and year‑on‑year headline inflation slowed to 1.5%, the lowest in a decade—thanks to tight monetary policy and stabilised energy prices 11.

4.2 Uraan Pakistan: Five‑Year Transformation Plan

Launched December 31, 2024, the “Uraan Pakistan” plan (2024–29) aims to stabilise the macroeconomy, boost exports to $60 billion by 2029, and grow GDP to $3 trillion by 2047. It focuses on ICT and digital expansion, green energy, water security, gender equity, and social inclusion 12.

Joining BRICS could bolster Pakistan’s economic agenda by accessing New Development Bank funding, diversifying trade partnerships, and securing infrastructure finance outside Western‑dominated channels 13.

5. Diplomatic Strategy & Role of China and Russia

Pakistan is leveraging its relationships—with China through CPEC and with Russia on energy and infrastructure—to build diplomatic support for BRICS entry 14.

China, Pakistan’s principal strategic ally, supports greater Global South inclusion in BRICS. Though China has not publicly overridden India’s stance, Beijing has urged the bloc to respect neutrality and sovereign equality 15.

Russia’s backing—particularly its endorsement during Overchuk’s Islamabad visit—highlights convergence on trade, energy, and strategic alignment, especially in the face of Western sanctions on Moscow 16.

6. Conclusion & Outlook

Pakistan’s ambition to join BRICS in 2025 is driven by economic necessity, strategic geography, and a multipolar world‑view. Membership offers the potential to rebalance international economic alignments, attract development finance, and deepen ties with the Global South.

However, the real barrier remains India. Unless India’s position softens or Pakistan finds a diplomatic compromise, its BRICS ambitions will continue to stall—a dynamic that threatens BRICS’ own credibility as an inclusive bloc 17.

Looking ahead to the 2025 BRICS summit under Brazil’s presidency, Pakistan may intensify its lobbying, while China and Russia may play key roles in facilitating dialogue. Meanwhile, Pakistan must demonstrate economic reforms under Uraan, bolster trade with BRICS economies, and manage internal security concerns to strengthen its candidacy.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s push for BRICS membership in 2025 remains a test case for whether the bloc can transcend geopolitics to embody its stated ideal of sovereign equality and South‑South cooperation—or if old rivalries continue to define its limits.

Compiled as of July 24, 2025.