As of October 26, 2024, Turkey has formally submitted a request to join BRICS, aiming to diversify its partnerships beyond Western alliances. This move reflects Turkey's desire to strengthen relations with non-Western powers and enhance its trade opportunities [984129e8]. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced this application ahead of the BRICS summit, emphasizing the goal of cultivating ties with both Eastern and Western nations [984129e8]. If accepted, Turkey would become the first NATO member to join BRICS, marking a significant geopolitical shift [984129e8].
Turkey's interest in BRICS has been ongoing since 2018, and during a meeting in June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for Turkey's desire to join the bloc [984129e8]. Analysts suggest that Turkey's strategic location and control of the Black Sea straits are particularly significant in the context of the ongoing Ukraine war, potentially enhancing its geopolitical standing and economic influence through BRICS membership [984129e8].
Meanwhile, Pakistan's application for BRICS membership, submitted in November 2023, has also gained substantial support from Russia, with Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk advocating for its inclusion [8bbf303b]. This development comes as BRICS expands its membership, now including new entrants like Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia, which collectively represent about 40% of the global population and 31.5% of the world's GDP [8bbf303b].
The dynamics of both Turkey and Pakistan seeking BRICS membership highlight a broader trend among emerging economies to enhance their influence and cooperation on the global stage. As the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan approaches, the implications of these potential memberships will likely be a critical topic of discussion, particularly regarding the balance of power between India, China, and other member nations [84185ad9].