ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Russia has expressed its support for Pakistan’s bid to join the BRICS bloc of major developing economies during a high-stakes meeting between the Deputy Prime Ministers of both nations in Islamabad. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk confirmed Moscow’s backing during his official visit to Islamabad, where he met with senior Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the country’s powerful military leadership.
Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state with a population of over 240 million, applied for BRICS membership in 2023, seeking to align itself with other emerging economies in an increasingly multipolar world. The BRICS group, originally founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has since expanded its membership to include South Africa in 2010, and more recently, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The group has positioned itself as an alternative to the Western-dominated global economic order, with a focus on enhancing cooperation among countries in the Global South. As such, Pakistan’s entry into BRICS would amplify its influence on the world stage and help bolster economic relations with other member states.
Speaking at a joint televised press conference in Islamabad, Overchuk voiced Russia’s approval of Pakistan’s membership bid. “Of course, we would be supportive of Pakistan’s request to join the BRICS alliance,” he said, standing alongside Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. This endorsement marks a strategic shift in Pakistan’s foreign relations as it seeks to diversify its global alliances and bolster its economic partnerships.
During his visit, Overchuk and Dar also discussed ways to improve economic ties between Russia and Pakistan, with a particular focus on boosting bilateral trade. Last year, trade between the two nations reached $1 billion, a significant milestone as both countries look to deepen their commercial ties. This growing trade relationship, which spans energy, agriculture, and other key sectors, reflects a broader effort by Pakistan to pivot toward non-Western markets.
Overchuk’s visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between Russian and Pakistani officials aimed at fostering cooperation in energy and defense. Pakistan has long sought to establish reliable sources of energy imports from Russia, and recent efforts have been made to increase the supply of Russian oil and gas to the South Asian nation.
The strategic significance of these talks cannot be understated. As global geopolitical tensions rise, particularly with the West’s sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow is increasingly seeking out new economic and political allies. Pakistan, with its strategic location and growing economy, presents an attractive partner for Russia, offering a gateway to both South Asia and the broader Muslim world.
It is worth noting that Pakistan has maintained a neutral stance on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite international pressure, the Pakistani government has refrained from condemning Moscow’s invasion and has instead called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through diplomatic negotiations. This pragmatic approach has allowed Islamabad to maintain positive relations with Russia while continuing its economic engagements with Western countries.
This delicate balancing act was on full display in February 2022 when Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit, which took place just days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, underscored Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen ties with Russia even as global tensions escalated. While Pakistan has largely remained on the sidelines of the conflict, its economic relations with Russia have steadily grown, particularly in areas such as energy and trade.
In addition to his meetings with civilian officials, Overchuk also held talks with Pakistan’s powerful army chief, General Asim Munir. The military is a key player in Pakistan’s foreign policy, and discussions between Overchuk and Munir are believed to have touched on security cooperation and defense partnerships between the two countries.
In recent years, Pakistan has explored new avenues for military cooperation with Russia, including arms deals and joint military exercises. This growing military relationship adds another dimension to the broader economic and political ties that are being forged between Islamabad and Moscow.
The growing warmth between Pakistan and Russia reflects the shifting dynamics of global power in the 21st century. As Western-led institutions face increasing scrutiny, countries like Pakistan are looking for new ways to assert their independence and strengthen their economies through alternative alliances.
Pakistan’s potential inclusion in BRICS would mark a new chapter in its foreign relations, bringing it closer to other emerging economies and increasing its influence on the global stage. For Russia, supporting Pakistan’s bid aligns with Moscow’s broader strategy of fostering stronger ties with non-Western countries amid ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions with the West.
