Russia has thrown its weight behind Pakistan’s bid to join the prestigious BRICS group, a move that could significantly boost Pakistan’s international standing. This declaration of support came from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk during a two-day visit to Islamabad.
During a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Overchuk responded to a question about Pakistan’s request to become a member of BRICS. He stated unequivocally, “We would be supportive of it.” This positive response from Russia is a major step forward for Pakistan in its quest to join the influential bloc.
BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a coalition of the world’s leading emerging market economies. Last year, the group expanded its membership, inviting Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates to join. This expansion aims to accelerate the bloc’s efforts to reshape the global order, which it views as outdated.
Beyond the BRICS discussion, Overchuk and Dar also focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Russia and Pakistan. The two officials engaged in talks aimed at increasing trade volume between their respective countries and finding solutions to overcome banking constraints that hinder transactions.
Overchuk further announced that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting in Islamabad next month. This high-level visit underscores the importance of the upcoming meeting, which is likely to focus on strengthening regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
This news marks a significant development in Pakistan’s foreign policy, showcasing a growing alignment with Russia and its interests. As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its position on the global stage, joining BRICS could offer considerable benefits, providing access to a powerful network of economies and bolstering its economic and political influence.
