BRICS Kazan Summit 2024: A Game-Changer for Indo-Pak Relations?
BRICS, a coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently conducted its 16th Summit on October 22-23, in Kazan, Russia representing over 45 percent of the global population and 28 percent of the world economy. During the Kazan Summit, a significant possibility for South Asian collaboration emerged as India endorsed Pakistan’s prospective membership. This action signifies a notable transformation, as BRICS, historically centered on economic growth and sustainable development, now assumes a more prominent role in fostering regional stability in South Asia.
South Asia, home to nearly 2 billion people, which makes up nearly a quarter of the world’s population, has been significantly marked by intricate geopolitical tensions, especially between the two key archrivals in the region, India and Pakistan. Historical animosities, geographical conflicts, and transnational security issues have undermined bilateral relations between the two nations. This has resulted in the lack of a functional regional dialogue platform and hampered opportunities for economic collaboration and sustainable development in South Asia.
Originally established as an economic coalition to meet the demands of emerging markets, BRICS has persistently challenged the unipolar world order by promoting a multipolar framework. It presents an innovative strategy for tackling global challenges through initiatives in sustainable development, and trade, and becoming less dependent on Western-dominated institutions financially. The organization’s tenets of mutual respect, non-interference, and collaborative development render it an appropriate forum for addressing South Asia’s most persistent rivalries.
Towards a Collaborative Strategy
One of the summit’s key achievements was India’s support for Pakistan’s membership in BRICS. This shift signifies India’s acknowledgment of the need for a collaborative strategy to address South Asia’s economic and environmental issues. India had previously opposed Pakistan’s accession to the BRICS coalition, citing apprehensions regarding Islamabad’s economic volatility and the potential for exacerbating geopolitical complications. However, a landmark shift in consensus among current BRICS members, especially Russia and China, has facilitated India’s reevaluation of its stance. India’s endorsement of Pakistan’s participation signifies a dedication to a stable and cohesive regional structure, potentially yielding economic and strategic advantages for both countries.
Besides, the Kazan Summit also advanced dialogues between New Delhi and Beijing on the issues of their contested border. Mitigating these issues facilitates the establishment of a more robust and inclusive BRICS coalition. China’s support for Pakistan’s BRICS membership and recent diplomatic advancements establish a foundation for a more unified group dynamic, with China facilitating trust and stability in South Asia.
Furthermore, Russia’s involvement in BRICS, especially in advocating for Pakistan’s membership, further helps in contributing to a collaborative environment across South Asia. Russia, a conventional mediator in the region, enhances the legitimacy of Pakistan’s bid by endorsing its membership, placing BRICS as a prospective stabilizing entity in the region.
Economic Gains for Pakistan
BRICS presents a constructive opportunity for Pakistan to secure economic assistance and obtain development financing to ameliorate its economic dismay. Pakistan could benefit from trade channels and potential collaborative projects such as the New Development Bank, which supports infrastructure needs and renewable energy projects, by securing BRICS membership that would ultimately translate intothe region’s economic progress. Likewise, India can benefit from enhanced transit access to Central Asia and the regional trade networks that connect South Asia to global markets.
Moreover, BRICS may be a formal platform for India and Pakistan to discuss shared issues, particularly on non-traditional security threats such as climate change, food security, water scarcity, mass migration, and terrorism, to name a few. In contrast to initiatives lacking consistency, BRICS offers a reliable, multilateral forum for the constructive discussion of diplomatic matters. Consistent engagement among BRICS nations will diminish the probability of misinterpretations and cultivate a more profound comprehension of each country’s viewpoints on controversial matters, including cross-border security and economic interdependence.
The inclusion of Pakistan could empower BRICS to strengthen South-South cooperation, amplifying South Asia’s collective voice on international platforms. Through collaboration within BRICS, India, and Pakistan could tackle shared difficulties, including infrastructure development, climate resilience, and trade integration, thereby establishing a regional paradigm prioritizing local solutions for regional problems.
The historical antagonism between India and Pakistan had posed a substantial obstacle to Pakistan’s membership in BRICS. Prolonged mistrust, especially over border disputes, must be resolved for both nations to operate cohesively within the organization. Identifying consensus within the BRICS multilateral framework may facilitate this process; nonetheless, advancement necessitates ongoing dedication from both countries.
Pakistan’s economic and political stability is essential for effectively engaging in BRICS. Domestic reforms, particularly in governance and the investment climate, will be crucial for attracting BRICS-led initiatives and projects. Membership would motivate Pakistan to confront these internal difficulties, expediting its economic and political resilience trajectory.
Incorporating Pakistan into BRICS may induce external pressures from non-BRICS nations, compromising the cohesion of BRICS. Reconciling BRICS priorities with the distinct affiliations of each member necessitates meticulous management to preserve organizational unity. Notwithstanding these possible hurdles, the advantages of South Asian collaboration via BRICS offer a persuasive opportunity for all parties concerned.
Unified South Asian Voice?
On the positive side, the participation of both India and Pakistan in BRICS may exemplify a framework for regional collaboration in South Asia. If BRICS can effectively promote collaboration between India and Pakistan, it may indicate a transition towards a more tranquil, economically unified South Asia. Collaborative initiatives, regional commerce, and pooled resources have the potential to transform South Asia’s economic framework, rendering it an appealing locus for international investment and a paradigm for other regions confronting analogous issues.
The 2024 Kazan Summit signifies a pivotal moment in South Asia’s diplomatic history, as BRICS may redefine India-Pakistan relations and promote regional integration. By engaging in concerted action to address common concerns, BRICS can assist South Asia in establishing a new framework for stability, economic development, and international diplomacy. This exceptional moment necessitates that BRICS stakeholders seize this chance to foster peace and development, exemplifying constructive global cooperation.