Johannesburg: India’s disagreement has led Pakistan to be excluded from the BRICS summit, marking a significant outcome. Despite China’s persistent advocacy for Pakistan’s inclusion, India’s resolute stance prevailed. While India agreed to the overarching concept of broadening the alliance, it firmly held that Pakistan should not be part of it. This has dealt a substantial blow to China’s aspirations to enhance its influence within the BRICS framework by involving Pakistan, often considered a shadowy nation.
BRICS, the alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, welcomed six new member nations into its fold. The newly admitted countries include Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made this announcement during the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg. The expansion of membership is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.
Anticipated to enlarge its scope, the summit aimed at extending BRICS to accommodate more developing nations. While Asian nations predominantly constituted the new entrants, India’s opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion remained steadfast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s unwavering support for expanding BRICS membership, highlighting the potential to strengthen the alliance through the inclusion of new nations. He emphasised the intention to bolster cooperation with these member nations, underlining India’s profound historical connections with them and the prospect of elevating the collaborative relationship to new heights.
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