Turkish President Erdogan, known to criticize India over the Kashmir problem chose to keep silent in the United National General Assembly and did not say a word in criticism of India.
This has led to speculations that India has become important for Turkey because it intends to join the BRICS group which has India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and China as its members.
Turkey has applied for full membership of the BRICS group. To include Turkey as one of its members, all the member countries have to agree to it.
In the recent past, there has been some discomfort in Turkey’s relations with the major countries of NATO. Several challenges have mounted up before Turkey in the European economy, and hence it is on the lookout for new markets. Turkey is also keen on building a different identity for itself in the changing global era, which can give it more strength.
Why Do Turkey, Which is in Europe and a part of NATO Want to Join BRICS?
Turkey is looking for new economic platforms outside Europe. It is believed that by joining BRICS, Turkey aims to strengthen its role as a bridge between the East and the West, which will increase its strategic importance in international affairs.
Turkey wants to bring changes in its foreign policy, which will bring about a change in its image of aspiring to be a leader of all Islamic countries. A change in Turkey’s attitude has been recently observed. It seems to be moving away from its hardline Muslim-centric approach.
BRICS Largely Works As An Economic Organization. How Can It Help Turkey?
BRICS may provide Turkey access to new markets. By joining BRICS, Turkey can get easy access to emerging markets and its trade relations can be diversified.
Till now, Turkey’s economy was dependent on the European market, which has declined in the last few years. The attempt to become the leader of the Islamic countries could not help Turkey in creating a Muslim market for itself. Now, Turkey wants to get its foothold in two largest Asian markets- China and India. Out of these two, it is mainly targeting the Indian market.
What Other Benefits Can Turkey Reap From Joining BRICS?
Turkey estimates that close relations with the BRICS countries can attract new investments. It can create employment opportunities for itself. It also sees the possibility of funding from the BRICS New Development Bank for infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Are Changing Equations In the World Forcing Turkey To Take Such A Step?
According to analysts, Turkey’s changing tone is more about making a place for itself in the changing geopolitical scenario. Turkish President Erdogan, who was usually seen taking aggressive stances is now showing signs of being restrained. There is a change in the tone and content of his speeches in global forums.
In BRICS, Brazil, China and India are currently emerging as the world’s largest economies. By joining BRICS, Turkey will place itself in a group that advocates a more equitable global order, challenging the dominance of West-led institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank.
This can also be a strategy aimed at maintaining relations with both Eastern and Western powers. This dual approach can make Turkey a major player on the global stage.
What effect will Turkey’s efforts to join BRICS have on its relationship with NATO?
Turkey’s desire to join BRICS is being seen as part of its broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships beyond the West. This move allows Turkey to assert its autonomy in foreign policy while maintaining its membership in NATO. Analysts believe that Turkey will not exit from NATO but will try to boost its geopolitical advantage by joining both Western and non-Western powers.
Will this move worry NATO?
The presence of countries like Russia and China in the BRICS group and Turkey’s move for its membership in the bloc will undoubtedly worry NATO. Membership in BRICS can certainly be considered to be contrary to the spirit of NATO. There will be conflict of interests which will affect Turkey’s relations with other NATO members. For instance, when Turkey purchased Russia’s S-400 missile system, it led to tension among the NATO countries. Hence this move is bound to complicate Turkey’s trade relations with its NATO allies.
However, this economic diversification will be important for Turkey. This is because Turkey is currently facing challenges in the process of joining the European Union. In any case, Turkey’s relations with the NATO countries have entered a stage of uneasiness.
Will this further increase Turkey’s regional influence?
Turkey’s possible BRICS membership can increase its influence in the Balkan, Middle East and Central Asia. This can establish it as a major player in global affairs.
Will this also affect its relations with Muslim countries?
Turkey’s participation in BRICS could facilitate stronger diplomatic and economic ties with Muslim-majority countries, such as Iran and Egypt, which have not been the case so far.
However, many Muslim countries, including Iran and Egypt, did not like Turkey’s attempt to establish itself as a leader within the Islamic world.
What is the status of Turkey’s membership in BRICS at present? Has Turkey applied for it?
According to a senior Kremlin official, Turkey has officially applied for full membership in the BRICS group of emerging economies. In September 2024, President Putin’s foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Turkey had submitted an application “for full membership” in BRICS. Turkish President Erdogan has expressed in several occasions that Turkey intends to join BRICS.
Russia is currently chairing the BRICS group. It said that Turkey’s application for membership will be considered. The 2024 BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in Russia next month, in which the expansion of the group and the possible membership of Turkey can be considered.
How many full members are there in BRICS? When did it start?
BRICS took shape as a group in September 2006. It was started by Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). After South Africa was accepted as a full member in September 2010, its name was changed to BRICS.
However, now the bloc has a total of 10 full members. The new full members are Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In recent times, it has been seen that Muslim and African countries are being attracted to this organization.