INDIA-CHINA RIVALRY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR BRICS AND AUKUS EXPANSION

India and China are engaged in a multifaceted interplay of cooperation and competition, marked by increasing trade and evolving strategic rivalry respectively. The emerging power struggle is fuelled by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s expanding strategic outreach, impacting regional security, global stability, and multilateral frameworks like BRICS and AUKUS. This paper argues that despite the challenges posed by India-China rivalry, economic interests often supersede political differences in the BRICS. Moreover, while this rivalry largely influences India’s reluctance to join AUKUS, it is mainly driven by India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and self-reliance. This paper further finds that given the South Asian regional dynamics, BRICS and AUKUS expansion have certain implications for Pakistan. While BRICS expansion calls for immediate focus on Pakistan’s greater role and inclusion in economic organisations, AUKUS expansion has long-term security implications. This paper concludes with policy recommendations for Pakistan to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities arising from the intricate India-China rivalry.