During the Cold War, Pakistan and Russia had tense relations due to various reasons. Pakistan was wary of Russia’s close ties with India, while Moscow was uneasy about Islamabad’s alliance with the West at the onset of the Cold War.
However, Russia has been trying to position itself as a global power challenging the Western order since its Ukraine invasion. Moscow aims to expand its influence in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America through trade, especially by exporting its natural resources.
In recent times, Pakistan’s relationship with Russia has improved significantly, primarily driven by increased trade between the two countries. This positive trend was highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in July at the Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The thaw in Pakistan-Russia ties coincides with the strained relations between Pakistan and the United States since 2011. Despite historical mistrust, both countries have been actively exploring ways to strengthen their partnership.
Putin has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in bilateral relations, emphasizing Pakistan’s significance in Russia’s strategic interests in South Asia and Asia as a whole.
In a recent development, Russia’s deputy prime minister, Alexei Overchuk, led a high-level delegation to Pakistan for discussions on enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as education, energy, technology, and trade.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to bolster defense and security ties, signaling a mutual desire to deepen their engagement further. Pakistan’s President also stressed the importance of improved connectivity and business interactions between the two nations.
Despite the growing collaboration, there remains some mistrust between Pakistan and Russia, particularly regarding Pakistan’s neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and alleged weapon supplies to Ukraine. Pakistan’s stance, balancing its energy needs and diplomatic considerations, reflects the complexities in its foreign policy.
Although challenges exist, the increasing engagement between Pakistan and Russia presents opportunities for mutual benefits, especially in energy cooperation. Pakistan’s pragmatic approach will be crucial in navigating its relationship with Russia amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.