The latest BRICS summit, held in April 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, brought together some of the world’s most important emerging economies to discuss global issues and future cooperation. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. These countries together form a powerful group that plays a big role in world politics and the global economy. With major members like China and Russia leading the way, and countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa adding strong regional voices, BRICS is becoming more influential across the globe. For countries like Pakistan, the growing role of BRICS brings new possibilities—such as economic support and new alliances.
What is BRICS? And Why it Matters?
BRICS was formed in 2009 with four countries—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—and later in 2010, South Africa joined, making it BRICS. The main goal of this group is to promote development, peace, and stronger cooperation among emerging economies. It also works to reform global financial systems so that developing countries have a greater voice. BRICS focuses on economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting fair trade. Over time, it has also encouraged the use of local currencies in trade to reduce dependence on the US dollar and create a more balanced world economy. BRICS countries now make up about 32% of the world’s total GDP, which is more than the share of the G7 countries.
Trade between BRICS countries has increased over the years. By 2022, trade within the group crossed \$400 billion. The New Development Bank (NDB), set up in 2015, supports development and infrastructure projects in member countries. During the Russia-Ukraine war, when Russia faced heavy sanctions from the West, countries like China and India continued trading with Russia. India bought more Russian oil at lower prices, while China maintained its trade in energy and other areas. This helped Russia reduce the damage from
BRICS countries have gained from working together in many areas. In energy, they made up about 40% of the world’s energy use by 2022 and invested in oil, gas, and clean energy. In agriculture, they produce more than 50% of the world’s food and share new techniques to improve farming. In education, BRICS members run student exchange programs and joint research under the BRICS Network University. According to the New Development Bank’s 2023 report, over \$30 billion has been given for projects in clean energy, transport, and city development. In 2023, BRICS welcomed new members including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—making the group stronger and more globally connected.
The BRICS summit held in April 2025 in Rio de Janeiro focused on growing economic ties, using local currencies for trade, and working together in areas like technology, climate change, and development projects. One important idea discussed was to create a new payment system that does not depend on Western banks. In South Asia, India is a growing economy, China is the largest, and Russia has strong political ties. These three countries being part of BRICS has a big effect on the region. Their plans for trade, energy, and digital projects can also impact nearby countries like Pakistan. If BRICS builds more partnerships in South Asia, it can open new chances for Pakistan in trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
Pakistan–BRICS Relations: Challenges and Possibilities
Pakistan holds a strategically important position near the expanding BRICS alliance, especially through its close economic partnership with China via the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a central project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan is also making steady progress in rebuilding its ties with Russia, enhancing its diplomatic reach within the bloc. These relationships, if strengthened through consistent diplomacy, place Pakistan in a favorable position to engage more closely with BRICS.
Currently, Pakistan faces serious economic difficulties, including an external debt of over $130 billion and ongoing impacts from global tariff shifts, including the U.S. trade policies introduced under President Trump. At the same time, BRICS is rising in global influence, especially after the 2024 expansion that brought in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran. This has extended the bloc’s economic and political presence across South Asia and the Middle East—regions highly relevant to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
To benefit from this shift, Pakistan must adopt a proactive diplomatic approach. This includes participating in high-level dialogues, strengthening economic cooperation frameworks with BRICS members, and positioning itself as a bridge between South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Pakistan should also explore trade in local currencies to reduce dollar dependency, seek development support through the New Development Bank (NDB), and advocate for inclusion in BRICS discussions on regional infrastructure and energy security.
By combining practical economic reforms with focused diplomatic engagement, Pakistan can not only ease its financial pressure but also increase its strategic importance in regional and global affairs. A stronger diplomatic footprint—backed by internal stability and a clear vision—can pave the way for Pakistan to eventually join or formally partner with BRICS, reinforcing its relevance in an evolving global order.
Final Thoughts:
As BRICS grows stronger, Pakistan faces both challenges and chances. The conflict with India, an important BRICS member, is still a big issue. But by working for peace, using smart diplomacy, and building better relations with other BRICS countries, Pakistan can handle these problems well. With more stability at home and good foreign policies, Pakistan can get closer to BRICS and benefit from its rising global influence.