ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The Foreign Office (FO) revealed on Monday that a member of the five-nation BRICS summit "obstructed Pakistan's participation" in a discussion for non-member states held virtually on the sidelines of the event.

The BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping brings together five of the world's largest developing countries, accounting for 41% of the global population, 24% of global GDP, and 16% of international trade.

China is hosting the summit this year in its capacity as the group's chair.

On June 24, leaders from two dozen non-member countries of the BRICS' "High-level Dialogue on Global Development" participated virtually in the meeting. Pakistan, on the other hand, did not attend the meeting.

In response to media inquiries, the FO said on Monday, without naming the country, "Regrettably, one member blocked Pakistan's participation."

It is believed that India was the country preventing Pakistan from participating because the two countries do not get along and have long-standing disputes, most notably over the territory of Kashmir.

"We do hope that future engagement of the organization would be based on the principles of inclusivity, keeping in mind the overall interests of the developing world and in a manner devoid of narrow geopolitical considerations," the FO continued.