Pakistan’s potential Brics entry seen as benefiting China at India’s expense

Russia’s backing of Pakistan’s entry into Brics has sparked a debate over India’s stance on the matter, with analysts suggesting the inclusion could enhance China’s influence within the bloc at New Delhi’s expense.

Last week, Russia said it would support Pakistan’s bid to join Brics – an intergovernmental organisation aimed at counterbalancing Western-dominated institutions – with both countries agreeing to boost trade and cultural ties.

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

Abhishek Sharma, a research assistant in the strategic studies programme at Observer Research Foundation, a Delhi-based think tank, said it was unlikely that India would support further expansion of Brics in the coming years.

“Even if the next tranche of membership happens down the line, it will be difficult for Pakistan to qualify for membership given the stringent criteria, procedures and rules that it is likely to have to qualify for,” Sharma said, adding any new Brics member should have friendly relations with all existing members or substantial trade with member states.

“India sees the current Brics as a brand that represents the concerns of the developing world and the exemplifier of the multilateral order,” he said. “With Pakistan’s inclusion, if it happens, China’s position will further consolidate, weakening India’s standing in the group. This will erode the true characteristics of Brics.”