India's BRICS Presidency: Navigating Expansion, Pakistan's Bid

• India assumes the BRICS presidency in 2026, tasked with steering the expanded bloc through complex membership questions.
• BRICS has grown to 11 members, with many more nations seeking entry, making its future direction critical.
• India plans to establish clear, transparent criteria for new members to consolidate the bloc, not dilute it.
• Pakistan's BRICS membership application is blocked by India due to the "good relations with all members" requirement, despite support from China and Russia.
• India's presidency will balance promoting BRICS as a Global South platform with safeguarding its strategic interests and identity.

Why It Matters: India's 2026 BRICS presidency will define the bloc's future through strict membership rules and strategic consolidation.