BRICS member India has finally spoken out about the prospects of Pakistan joining the alliance. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) answered questions about Pakistan’s intent of joining BRICS. Speaking to journalists at a press conference on Thursday, Bagchi was asked about India’s stand on Pakistan looking to join BRICS.
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The MEA spokesperson commented on what India thinks of Pakistan’s intention to join the BRICS alliance. Reading between the lines, India’s statement indicates that the country could veto Pakistan’s induction into BRICS. The situation is complicated as both countries have not been on talking terms for several decades.
India Finally Speaks Out About Pakistan Joining BRICS
The MEA spokesperson Bagchi hinted that India might veto Pakistan’s induction into BRICS. India remained silent when Pakistan applied to join the alliance indicating that it was not happy with the development. The two neighboring countries have been at loggerheads for decades and leaders avoid standing at the podium together, even during international conferences.
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Bagchi revealed that BRICS induction is made through consensus and every member will have a say at the table. “Whatever decisions are taken by the BRICS, it’s done on the basis of consensus. This is what I want to say, this hint should be enough,” he said.
The spokesperson added, “Several countries have applied for BRICS membership. Before the BRICS meeting this year in South Africa, various principles, norms, criteria, and procedures, were set to guide the process,” he summed it up.
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The statement indicates that India could follow all norms and might veto Pakistan’s application to join the group. On the other hand, Pakistan is seeking the help of China and Russia to enter the prestigious group in 2024. However, Pakistan’s entry into the alliance will not be a cakewalk as many thorns are on the path of induction.