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[Islamabad] Pakistan and Russia have witnessed a remarkable transformation in their relationship in recent years. Once adversaries during the Cold War, the two nations have gradually moved beyond historical hostilities to forge a pragmatic partnership driven by shared regional interests. During the Cold War, Pakistan’s alignment with the United States and Russia’s close relationship with India created a deep divide.
The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 further entrenched their opposing stances, with Pakistan becoming a frontline state in the US-led resistance against Soviet forces. However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a turning point.
Pakistan and Russia have transformed their relationship from historical adversaries to pragmatic partners focused on regional stability.
Over the past three decades, Pakistan and Russia have slowly but steadily rebuilt their relationship, laying the groundwork for a partnership based on economic collaboration, regional stability, and shared security concerns.
This shift in their dynamics has been marked by increased diplomatic engagement and enhanced trade and economic cooperation. One significant factor contributing to the improvement in Pakistan-Russia relations is the changing geopolitical landscape in the region. Both countries recognize the importance of stability and security in Central and South Asia, particularly in the face of common challenges such as terrorism and extremism. This shared concern has led to greater cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises.
Another key driver behind the deepening of ties between Pakistan and Russia is the realization of economic potential. Pakistan, with its strategic location connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, offers opportunities for trade and investment.
Russia, on the other hand, is keen on diversifying its economic partnerships and exploring new markets. For some time now, delegations of high-ranking officials from both countries have been traveling between Moscow and Islamabad.
In the context of these growing relations, in October 2024 Russia and Pakistan pledged to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology, and education.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The discussion took place on the side-lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government summit, which was hosted by Islamabad.
The two leaders emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties through language exchanges and enhancing cooperation between banking sectors to facilitate trade and investment. They reviewed the progress in Pakistan-Russia relations, which have seen growing economic and defence collaboration over the past two decades.
Both nations recognize the importance of collaboration in counterterrorism efforts and intelligence sharing to address common threats.
Notably, Russia agreed last year to supply discounted crude oil to help meet Pakistan’s energy needs. Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening political, economic, and defence ties with Russia while thanking Moscow for supporting Islamabad’s bid for BRICS membership.
The leaders also agreed to enhance collaboration at multilateral forums, including the SCO. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin expressed a desire to elevate bilateral cooperation to the next level. Mishustin visit marks the first by a Russian prime minister to Islamabad since 2007.His visit followed Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overcut’s trip to Pakistan in August 2024.
In a latest move, Radio Pakistan, a state-run broadcaster, On November 28, reported that “Pakistan and Russia agreed to enhance parliamentary cooperation to strengthen ties between their legislative bodies”.
The agreement was signed in Moscow by Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. It aims to establish permanent mechanisms for collaboration through parliamentary committees, commissions, and friendship groups.
Radio Pakistan also reported that “During his visit, Speaker Sadiq also met Damir Mukhetdinov, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis, at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque”.
Despite the progress made, challenges remain in the Pakistan-Russia relationship, historical mistrust, divergent regional alignments, and the complexities of the wider geopolitical landscape continue to influence the dynamics between the two nations.
The shared regional interests, economic potential, and people-to-people interactions have all contributed to the positive trajectory in their relationship.
As both countries continue to navigate the complexities of the regional and global landscape, sustained efforts to deepen cooperation and address challenges will be vital to ensure the long-term success of this evolving partnership.
This evolving collaboration comes at a time when global alliances are shifting, and regional dynamics are redefining traditional partnerships, presenting both countries with opportunities to strengthen ties and address mutual challenges.
One of the key factors driving Pakistan-Russia relations is their mutual interest in addressing security challenges.
Both nations face threats from terrorism, instability in Afghanistan, and drug trafficking. Their cooperation has gained momentum, especially following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Economic ties are expanding, with significant agreements in energy and trade aimed at leveraging Pakistan’s strategic location.
Pakistan and Russia emphasize the importance of a stable Afghanistan that does not become a hub for extremist ideologies or transnational crime.
This shared commitment has fostered closer coordination, particularly in counterterrorism efforts. Defense collaboration is another significant aspect of their relationship.
Russia’s decision to lift its arms embargo on Pakistan in 2014 marked a pivotal shift, paving the way for joint military exercises and defense technology exchanges.
Initiatives such as the Druzhba (Friendship) series of joint drills highlight the growing trust between the two nations.
This joint military exercise between Russia and Pakistan focuses on enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries’ armed forces.
It typically involves various military operations, including counter-terrorism and security measures, reflecting the growing defense ties between Russia and Pakistan.
This partnership not only enhances Pakistan’s defense capabilities but also signals Russia’s intent to diversify its engagement in South Asia.
Economic ties between Pakistan and Russia are also expanding. Russia’s expertise in energy infrastructure aligns with Pakistan’s pressing need to address its energy crisis.
A landmark agreement to construct the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline demonstrates their commitment to long-term economic collaboration.
This project, which will transport liquefied natural gas from Karachi to Punjab, is a cornerstone of their economic partnership.
Beyond energy, both nations are exploring opportunities in agriculture, technology, and trade, with Russia seeking access to South Asian markets through Pakistan’s strategic location.
PolicyEast sought the perspectives of experts on the evolving relationship between Pakistan and Russia.
Dr. Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based political analyst, underscored the growing convergence between Russia and Pakistan in key areas of anti-terrorism, energy, and connectivity, which he described as being prioritized in that order.
Speaking to The PolicyEast, Korybko remarked, “Anti-terrorism, energy, and connectivity are the key areas of convergence between Russia and Pakistan, prioritized in that order.”
He elaborated further, emphasizing that “both countries share an interest in containing terrorism originating from Afghanistan, which poses potential global threats.”
Korybko highlighted that “bilateral drills, intelligence-sharing, and collaboration through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are viable strategies to counter terrorism effectively”.
On energy, he noted, “Russia is resource-rich while Pakistan is energy-deficient; however, challenges persist in oil processing and payment mechanisms. Energy challenges could be addressed through payments in national currencies, the involvement of intermediaries, or the establishment of a Russian-built oil refinery in Pakistan”, Korybko added.
Regarding connectivity, Korybko underlined that “Russia seeks access to South Asia, a goal dependent on improved Afghan-Pakistani and Indo-Pakistani relations.”
He added that “achieving this goal requires diplomatic progress, where Russia could potentially play a mediating role if both parties consent”.
“Lastly, Russia could serve as a mediator between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as India and Pakistan, provided both parties consent to its involvement,” Korybko observed.
Korybko also dismissed the notion of lingering mistrust between the two nations, explaining that their relationship has matured significantly.
“Trust issues no longer significantly hinder relations between Russia and Pakistan,” he noted.
He underlined “that Russia has not allowed reports of Pakistani arms being used in Ukraine to affect bilateral ties, while Pakistan acknowledges India’s role as Russia’s primary military partner in the region”.
Korybko credited “official and Track II dialogues for helping both nations overcome past misgivings and paving the way for a more cooperative relationship”.
The recent diplomatic engagements highlight a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including defense and connectivity.
Muhammad Bilal Iftikhar Khan, a Lahore-based PhD scholar and geopolitical analyst told The PolicyEast, “Pakistan’s past alignment with the West, particularly during the Cold War, has resulted in a lack of trust between Pakistan and Russia. Additionally, Western sanctions and pressures on Russia have posed challenges to expanding their partnership further.”
Khan further underlined the steps needed to address these hurdles, stating, “To overcome these challenges, both countries need to focus on building trust, diversifying economic partnerships, and adopting alternative financing methods to reduce reliance on Western systems. This approach could unlock the full potential of their relationship and support a more balanced foreign policy.”
He highlighted the complexities of the relationship, noting that “Russia’s close defense ties with India—a country Pakistan views as a significant threat—further complicate matters. Moreover, India’s growing partnership with the United States exacerbates Pakistan’s geopolitical vulnerabilities.”
Khan emphasized that “Pakistan should pursue a non-aligned foreign policy by deepening ties with Russia and China.”
This strategy, he pointed out, “would enable Pakistan to leverage its strategic position and large population, reduce dependency on Western institutions, and open new pathways for economic growth and sustainable development”.
Arshad Mehmood is a conflict zone journalist with extensive experience covering the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Associated with a prestigious American news agency, The Media Line USA. He is a highly experienced journalist with a proven track record of covering inland and across-the-border terrorism and counter-terrorism narratives and incidents. (https://themedialine.org/) Most of his news stories published in The Media Line are also featured on JPost.com, a major media outlet in the Middle East. He can be reached via @RajaAajtv on social media.
