As the world’s geopolitical landscape shifts, the BRICS bloc—long dismissed by some Western observers as little more than a loose grouping of emerging economies—is stepping into a new era of influence and complexity. At the heart of this transformation are two South Asian giants: India and Pakistan. Their evolving roles within BRICS signal not just regional rivalries, but a larger rebalancing of global power, with ripples reaching far beyond Asia.
India, already a founding member, is poised to take on the BRICS chairmanship in 2026, a moment that many analysts view as both symbolic and transformative. According to Daily News, the recent BRICS summit showcased the bloc’s growing strategic importance, with India playing a pivotal role in shaping its agenda. The country finds itself at the crossroads of competing global visions, carefully leveraging its BRICS membership to amplify its leadership among the Global South while deepening strategic ties with the West, especially the United States.
This balancing act is anything but simple. Former US President Donald Trump has threatened additional tariffs on Indian goods and labeled BRICS as "anti-American," forcing New Delhi to navigate a diplomatic tightrope. Yet, India appears determined to resist ideological posturing, focusing instead on its core pursuit of strategic autonomy. As Daily News notes, India is seeking pragmatic solutions—such as local currency trade—to bolster financial resilience without triggering geopolitical fallout.
The stakes for India are high. Its leadership within BRICS is being scrutinized not only for what it brings to the table, but for how it mediates between competing visions—those of the West and those of fellow BRICS members, particularly China and Russia. As the world moves from a unipolar to a more multipolar order, India’s actions could shape not just the future of BRICS, but the nature of global diplomacy itself.
India’s ambitions within BRICS are also tied to broader calls for global equity. The country has long advocated for overdue reforms in international institutions, including a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, fairer financial mechanisms, and greater representation for developing nations. In a world where traditional Western-led institutions are facing questions about credibility and inertia, BRICS offers an alternative forum for advancing these reforms.
Yet, India’s approach is marked by caution. On issues like de-dollarisation, New Delhi has shown it is not prepared to be swept into confrontational postures. Instead, it seeks to chart a course that strengthens its own economic and strategic interests while avoiding unnecessary antagonism. This careful diplomacy is, as Daily News puts it, a portrait of India as “a confident, self-assured actor on the global stage—one no longer content to simply react to great power rivalry, but increasingly shaping the contours of the debate.”
Meanwhile, the BRICS bloc itself is expanding. According to Watcher Guru, Pakistan’s membership is expected to be confirmed during the 19th annual BRICS summit in 2026. The South Asian nation formally applied for membership in 2023 and now stands as a leading candidate to join, which would bring the total number of BRICS members to 12. This expansion is part of a broader trend, with 11 countries currently holding observer or partner status and 32 more waiting to join. The so-called “BRICS+” or “greater BRICS family” reflects the growing appeal and influence of the bloc.
Pakistan’s path to membership has not been without challenges. Historically, India has resisted Islamabad’s inclusion, reflecting longstanding tensions between the two neighbors. However, increasing diplomatic and political support from China, Russia, and other members has brightened Pakistan’s prospects. Dr. Mehmoodul Hassan Khan, an economic strategist and regional expert, told Watcher Guru: “Pakistan is about to join BRICS in the upcoming annual meeting this year or the next year.”
The economic implications for Pakistan are significant. Dr. Khan explained, “Inclusion of Pakistan as the full member would open a new window of opportunity to further accelerate economic partnerships, seeking more inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs), trade diversity, enhancing qualitative industrialisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI).” With BRICS members representing over half the world’s population and contributing nearly 30% of global GDP, Pakistan’s inclusion would provide access to a formidable economic bloc. In 2024, BRICS collectively achieved 4% GDP growth, outpacing the global average, according to International Monetary Fund data cited by Watcher Guru.
The appeal of BRICS, Dr. Khan added, lies in its "spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation." For Pakistan, aligning with this group offers a chance to diversify its economic partnerships and tap into new avenues for development. The geographic location of Pakistan—linking South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East—further enhances its strategic value within the BRICS framework.
Geopolitics, of course, cannot be separated from economics. Pakistan’s expected inclusion in BRICS comes at a time when its bilateral relations with the United States are on an upswing. Dr. Khan noted, “Pakistan-US bilateral relations were in the right direction because of Pakistan’s emergence as an important and trustworthy ally in South Asia, showing its strong willingness to promote regional peace and stability and international cooperation for achieving peaceful conflict resolution in the Middle East and South East Asia.”
Recent developments underscore this improvement. Field Marshal General Asim Munir’s visit to Washington, DC, has reportedly strengthened ties between the two countries, with the US starting to invest in diverse sectors of Pakistan’s economy, including metals and mining, renewables, education, and health. Dr. Khan expressed optimism: “Chances are very bright that the government and military brass would be in a better position to convince US President Donald Trump about its expected and imminent inclusion in the BRICS as a full member.”
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. India’s strategic caution on BRICS expansion—especially regarding Pakistan—reflects broader concerns about the bloc’s direction and the potential for internal contradictions. Overplaying its hand within BRICS could antagonize critical partners in the West, while underplaying its influence could render India’s leadership symbolic rather than substantive. For Pakistan, the balancing act involves maintaining strong ties with both China and the US, while leveraging its new role in BRICS to boost its economy and international standing.
What emerges from these parallel stories is a portrait of two nations navigating a rapidly changing world order. India, confident and pragmatic, seeks to shape the future of BRICS and global governance. Pakistan, ambitious and increasingly well-positioned, is poised to join a club that could redefine its economic and strategic trajectory. As BRICS continues to expand and assert itself, the choices made by India and Pakistan will not only shape their own destinies but could also determine the future of multipolar global diplomacy.
