The evolving PAK-RUSSIA relations

 By Syed Wakeel Ahmed

 
Pakistan - Russia relations are not the same anymore…?


Since Pakistan became independent in 1947, we had a pivotal role in the relations of major powers. Specially In Cold War when Pakistan sided with United States and went against Soviet Union. One of the reasons why Pakistan, soviet relations were incipiently hostile was Pakistan’s partnership with United States, cumulatively the security partnership with USA, which were intended to build a block against the Soviet Union, and obviously were resented by Soviet Union. 


   At some extent Soviet’s involvement in Pakistan’s internal affairs were also the main motive behind despondent relations between both states. Soviet Union has remained impetus in sponsoring the insurgences in Pakistan historically. Weather in Baluchistan,KPK, the that time (NWFP) or the attempt in trying to alter regime  in Pakistan for installing pro-soviet government.

    e,g; Rawalpindi conspiracy case against Liaquat Ali Khan is one of the prime example. 


Throughout the Cold War neither of state had the intention to build friendly relations amongst each other, Notwithstanding, direct confrontation, war of words weather after U-2 incident or before in 1970’s soviet invasion in Afghanistan and Pakistan aligning with east in making a mujahideen event so & so…

The resentments and egoistic attitude from both side never allowed good and positive relations between the two states.

After Cold war ended, it was  anticipated that  both states may now enter in a new world order, the relations could improve but, nevertheless no positive change ushered.

In 1990’s more or less our relationship were not a conflict base but, were not intriguing either, pehraps cold, but not so cordial either


   After 1990’s, in post 9/11, we witnessed a gradual but noticeable change between the two countries. Which were perhaps in context to many self interests. In Musharaf’s regime a transformation usher's. Since then gradual opening of Pak-Russia, relations begins. We indeed can ponder that these developments ushered after 9/11.

    Now The Question arises is that why? why are the relations between the two states improving? What are the factors, that are creating an environment of collaboration between both states? 

One of the element's could perhaps be the change in Geo-strategic environment in regions. e,g; charging in Alliances.

Another major regional development has been the rise of China. We are witnessing china’s gradual economic rise in its corresponding’s, and thus, one manifestation of this rise is , (SCO) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s making and it’s  gradual expansion and importance in that context china’s another expansion happens in (BRI) Belt and Road initiative’s form, which initially was called (One-bel, One- road). Looking to these all initiatives china’s emerging powers is recognised by the world at a great extent.

Pakistan has always been a very friendly state with China, holding coherent relations, and partnership of both countries have been historical. Even both countries leader’s explain the historical relations as so… in phrase, “A friendship higher than Himalayas, deeper then ocean, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel.”

While Russia relations with China are progressing on various consensus, at the time of writing, exactly a week  ago both the president’s of China Xi Ching Ping, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have had a telephonic conversation exchanging words, and they have been collaborative in many issues spontaneously.


   Albeit between Russia and Pakistan, China factor becomes a glood point , China becomes a state that brings Pakistan and Russia together on different platforms, including (SEO), (BRI), (CPEC) and other forums. Pakistan and Russia relations with China also becomes pivotal for both of the states, and that’s how the three states simultaneously connect to each other’s interests.


   One of the prominent reason, why Pakistan and Russia are getting closer to each other is; there mutual defence needs. A part from importing from USA, Pakistan is looking for a new source to buy weapons from, relatively economical, relatively available at defence market, that ostensibly is Russian market!

From 2013 onwards gradually and slowly some of the Russian weapons, military hardware’s, started coming into Pakistan. 

And last but not least, the major and emerging factor is Geo-economic dimension’s of our relationship. 

 For Pakistan Russia could be a potential market for oil and gas, however gas could be less-literally because of the wide distance, anyhow oil could be a source, as Pakistan is already in negotiations with Russia for importing oil at cheap price.

So these are the elements creating the opportunity where Pak-Russia relations seems evolving.  


   However this optimism is not exclusive as there are certain predicamental challenges to Pak-Russia’s relationship both historical and current. One of the major holistic issue could be Russia partnership with India, which has always been a source of concern for Pakistan, even in foreign policy of Pakistan it is clearly mentioned that “What ever state is in partnership with India shall be a concern for Pakistan” as India is currently the biggest and historical enemy to Pakistan.


 In Pakistan many are very enthusiastic in opening up to the Russian state which could be a good thing but, “I assume this optimism should not be Elusive, and blind Pakistan to its core national interest Vis-a-vis India, Vis-a-vis Afghanistan, via-a-vis our relations with west”. The emotional notions and decision making could also be a possible risk in Pakistan’s international relationships. 

   Relations of longer term partnerships has to be ceremonious, based on solid foundations which could either be economic or strategic alignments between states.



The writer is student of Journalism

Twitter: imwakeel05

Gmail: ahmedwakeel147@gmail.com 


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