India likely to back Pakistan’s BRICS membership bid at Kazan summit

New Delhi: India is likely to support Pakistan’s long-standing bid for BRICS membership at the upcoming summit in Kazan, Russia, marking a significant shift in New Delhi’s stance, according to Indian media sources.

The 16th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held on October 22-23, will focus on expanding the bloc’s membership and could see Pakistan being inducted into the group, which already represents over 45% of the world’s population and 28% of the global economy.

India had previously opposed Pakistan’s inclusion in the BRICS grouping, citing concerns over Islamabad’s economic instability and its potential to bring in additional geopolitical challenges.

However, sources suggest that a shift in consensus among existing BRICS members, particularly Russia and China, has paved the way for India’s reconsideration of its position.

The decision is expected to be formalised at the Kazan summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present alongside leaders from BRICS member countries.

The summit, chaired by Russia, will also welcome new members like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran, as part of a broader push to strengthen the group’s influence in the Global South.