Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk made the pledge after holding delegation-level talks in Islamabad with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is also the deputy prime minister. Pakistan announced last November that it had formally requested to join BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said on Thursday that Moscow would support Pakistan's inclusion in BRICS. "We would be supportive of it," Overchuk, who is on a two-day visit to Islamabad told a joint press conference with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad,

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk confirmed that Russia would support Pakistan if it decides to join BRICS. The Russian Prime Minister relayed the news during a joint press conference with Pakistan's foreign minister,

Russia, as the current BRICS chair, has indicated that there is no consensus on Pakistan's application for BRICS membership. Despite support from China, Pakistan's economic status does not align with the criteria for emerging markets.

Islamabad: Russia on Wednesday said it would support Pakistan's bid to join BRICS as the two countries decided to further strengthen their ties by promoting bilateral trade and cultural links.