BRICS Expansion: India's Ambiguity on Pakistan's Inclusion

• Pakistan Applies for BRICS Alliance Membership
• Russia's Role in Pakistan's BRICS Bid
• Pakistan's Recent Economic Moves
• India's Stance on the Usage of Chinese Yuan
• Uncertainty Surrounds Pakistan's Potential Entry into BRICS
• Implications of Pakistan's Entry to BRICS for India
• Upcoming Developments in BRICS

Pakistan Applies for BRICS Alliance Membership

Anil Sooklal, the South African Ambassador, has verified reports indicating that Pakistan has officially sent in its application to join the BRICS alliance. Pakistan is reportedly leveraging its relationship with Russia to secure a spot in the alliance, a development that's causing discontent in India.

Russia's Role in Pakistan's BRICS Bid

India, a member of BRICS, has expressed dissatisfaction over Russia seemingly reinforcing ties with Pakistan, including establishing trade agreements using local currencies. Also disconcerting for India is Russia's recent move to initiate direct flights from Islamabad to Moscow.

Pakistan's Recent Economic Moves

In a move seen as a further sign of strengthening ties, Pakistan has procured 45,000 tonnes of crude oil from Russia. Notably, this transaction was settled not in US dollars but in Chinese Yuan. There are increasing suspicions in India that China and Russia may utilize the BRICS platform to bolster their domestic economies.

India's Stance on the Usage of Chinese Yuan

In the past, India has voiced objections to the use of Chinese Yuan as a mode of payment, advocating instead for the use of US dollars for settlements. As such, Pakistan's use of the Yuan in its recent transaction has only exacerbated India's concerns.

Uncertainty Surrounds Pakistan's Potential Entry into BRICS

Despite India's interest in the expansion of BRICS, its stance on Pakistan's potential induction remains ambiguous. The currently ruling Modi government has yet to make an official statement regarding Pakistan's bid to join the alliance. The complex and historically fraught relationship between India and Pakistan makes this a particularly sensitive issue.

Implications of Pakistan's Entry to BRICS for India

The potential entry of Pakistan into BRICS could complicate the dynamics within the group, particularly for India. If Pakistan were to join, it could prove to be a significant disruption for India, potentially making the BRICS platform an uncomfortable space for the negotiation of geopolitical matters.

Upcoming Developments in BRICS

The 16th BRICS summit, set to take place in Russia in August 2024, may bring news of a fresh round of expansion. In anticipation, several sectors in the US stand to be impacted if BRICS decides to stop using the dollar for transactions. As more countries express interest in joining the alliance, the grouping may soon evolve into BRICS Plus.

Edited by Jonathan Stoker