BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was founded in 2006 with the goal of promoting cooperation among major emerging economies. South Africa became a member in 2011, expanding the original BRIC group. Over the years, BRICS has gained prominence as a platform for discussing global economic and political issues, offering an alternative to Western-led institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. At the 15th BRICS Summit, held on August 24, 2023, six new countries were invited to join the organization. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Argentina, Iran, and Ethiopia. Their membership will officially take effect from January 1, 2024, marking a significant expansion of BRICS and increasing its geopolitical and economic influence.

Russia’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS comes at a time when several other countries have also expressed interest in joining the bloc. Overchuk’s remarks underscore Russia’s active role in fostering closer ties with Pakistan and supporting the aspirations of countries looking to join BRICS. In addition to Pakistan, Azerbaijan has also applied for BRICS membership. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed the country’s interest during the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in July 2023. Like BRICS, the SCO is another prominent international organization that includes Russia and China, and it plays a significant role in promoting political, economic, and security cooperation in the region. The SCO and BRICS share many members and common goals, which is why they are often seen as complementary organizations.

The expansion of BRICS reflects the growing importance of emerging economies in shaping global affairs. Countries from various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and South America, are seeking membership in BRICS as they view it as a platform for promoting their interests on the global stage and counterbalancing the influence of Western-dominated institutions. With Russia’s backing, Pakistan’s chances of joining BRICS have gained momentum. Both countries see this as an opportunity to enhance their bilateral relations and collaborate more effectively within a multilateral framework that aligns with their shared interests. As the BRICS group expands, it is set to become an even more influential force in the global political and economic landscape.