What does BRICS offer to Pakistan? The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi, India, on 12–13 September 2026. The two-day summit is considered a milestone towards a multipolar world system.
The first day of the meeting, held on 12 September, emphasised inclusive global governance, reform of multilateral institutions and economic cooperation. Leaders also discussed the need to facilitate international trade and energy flows.
The meeting included a strong focus on restraint amid escalating Middle Eastern tensions and reiterated support for Palestinian rights.
Meanwhile, the second day of the summit, held on 13 September, primarily focused on innovation, resilience, cooperation and sustainability for inclusive global growth.
BRICS members discussed strengthening economic and technological cooperation. The core of the meeting was building resilient supply chains and improving global preparedness for future health crises.
The 18th summit also witnessed proposals for greater cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technological development and smart manufacturing techniques. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held multiple bilateral meetings with leaders from other BRICS member countries.
Pakistan also made a formal request to join BRICS on 28 December 2023. However, no positive development has been seen so far. India is considered a major hurdle to Pakistan’s membership.
If Pakistan becomes a BRICS member, it may improve the country’s trade dynamics. At the same time, Pakistan’s trade and security relationships with BRICS members may remain largely unchanged, whether or not it becomes a member.
Similarly, Islamabad’s foreign policy is multilateral, so it must consider the national interest. Pakistan is a country that depends heavily on exports and IMF programmes.
Pakistan’s $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility was approved in September 2024. The IMF mission has now reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the third review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
Final approval would unlock approximately $1 billion under the EFF and $210 million under the RSF by late 2026. However, BRICS has no equivalent financial rescue mechanism to replace Pakistan’s IMF programme.
Furthermore, Pakistan has held Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status since 2014. In 2024, the country received nearly €732 million in tariff exemptions under GSP+ and exported goods worth €7.11 billion through preferential access.
Pakistan’s exports to the European Union were worth €8.275 billion, while €7.48 billion were eligible for GSP+ preferences in 2026. Pakistan has initiated the reapplication process because the existing framework is due to end in 2027.
The new trading framework is expected to receive a two-year transition period ending on 31 December 2028. Although GSP+ is granted through a separate mechanism, the government must implement 27 international conventions, including those related to human rights and labour rights. It is important to remember that these preferences are granted by the European Union.
The United States is Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the country’s exports in fiscal year 2026. Total exports were approximately $6.125 billion, while Pakistan maintained a trade surplus of $2.59 billion during the year.
Washington reduced tariffs on Pakistani goods from 29 to 19 per cent in August 2025 following a trade deal.
Pakistan’s exports to China accounted for approximately 7.7 per cent of its total exports in FY2024–25. At the same time, China recorded Pakistan’s largest bilateral trade deficit, estimated at almost $16.85 billion in FY2026.
As far as BRICS is concerned, Islamabad already has a free trade agreement with Beijing.
Saudi Arabia accounts for around 2 per cent of Pakistan’s exports. India’s trade with Pakistan has been suspended since April 2025, when both countries shut the Wagah crossing and halted trade following the Pahalgam attack.
Pakistan and Iran traded $2.277 billion in the first ten months of FY2026, almost entirely through barter because sanctions restrict access to banking channels.
The United States, the United Kingdom and Germany together account for around 31.5 per cent of Pakistan’s exports. In comparison, China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates account for approximately 15.9 per cent of the country’s total exports.
Pakistan is not ready for any adventure. The country’s trade and diplomatic relations with Western countries remain important to avoiding default. It would be a gamble for Pakistan to choose a path that could lead to tariffs and trade sanctions.
Recently, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill on 16 September 2026 concerning sanctions on Russia. The proposed legislation would allow Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that buy Russian oil.
The bill mainly targets countries that continue purchasing Russian energy, including major BRICS members. China imports around 50 per cent of its crude oil from Russia, while India purchases approximately 37 per cent of its Russian oil.
The United States has repeatedly warned BRICS countries that attempts to promote de-dollarisation or replace the dollar in international transactions could invite tariffs of up to 100 per cent.
Given these circumstances, it would be better for Pakistan to avoid unnecessary risks. The country needs to stabilise its fragile economy and focus on improving internal security.
The writer can be reached at muhammadnawaz25th@gmail.com
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