Pak-Russia ties are witnessing
a fresh start with an exchange of high-level visits from both the sides. Something considered improbable in the past may soon become a reality as both the sides are vying for a new start in bilateral ties. Although Russian President Putin has postponed his much-hyped visit to Pakistan, yet a visit by a Russian delegation in early September, headed by the Russian sports minister, to Islamabad and a potential visit by the Pakistani army chief to Moscow present positive prospects for furthering bilateral ties.
Putin’s visit was primarily intended for a quadrilateral Afghan summit in Islamabad that also had a one-to- one meeting with the Pakistani president on its agenda. Officials on both sides have given indications of the signing of multiple MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) for development and investment in the steel and energy sectors. President Zardari, while meeting the Russian delegation, expressed his desire for cooperation with Moscow in the aforementioned sectors.
Historically, Russia and Pakistan have never enjoyed prolonged periods of fruitful ties. Even after Pakistan’s inception, Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first prime minister, preferred to visit the US even though he was invited first by the then Soviet government. Relations saw only one major milestone during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s government, when on his visit in 1974, the Soviet government agreed to establish the Pakistan Steel Mill on its own expense, coupled with helping in the nuclear energy sector. It was during Zia’s regime that the Carter administration of the US, Saudi Arabia and General Zia teamed up, with the help of right-wing parties, to train the Mujahideen against the Soviets in Afghanistan.
Keeping in context Pakistan’s current political situation, these latest developments hold utmost importance for the country. Currently, the US and its allies have increased pressure on Pakistan to support Washington’s policy of strengthening its influence in the region despite its apparent contradiction with the national interests of Pakistan. Along with that, the US is also losing its influence in the region because of the growing anti-US sentiment. That is why increased cooperation on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will help address political and economic issues in Pakistan. This in turn will provide additional opportunities for Islamabad for a more independent foreign policy and lesser economic dependence on the US and the international financial institutions, apparently controlled by the latter.
Washington’s current policy and politics in the Afghan war seem to be aimed at easing the impact of Islamabad in the country and the peace process, and increasing the role of India in resolving the crisis. Unsurprisingly, officials in Kabul also show an unfriendly attitude towards Pakistan, which is reflected in the regular accusations levelled against its support of the Haqqani network and other extremist organisations operating from within Pakistan.
With the current financial and strategic dependencies, Pakistan can only act as a mere spectator against US policies and demands. Only by increasing cooperation with China and Russia, the regional approach in addressing the Afghan issue and ensuring stability in the country can Pakistan protect its national interests.
It is obvious that positive ties with Russia would not only give strategic strength to Pakistan but would also provide a good opportunity for overcoming the country’s energy woes coupled with enhancing regional trade and cooperation.
In the context of military cooperation, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt visited Moscow in August and termed his visit as a significant development towards greater cooperation with Russia in the field of defence, particularly in air defence. Furthermore, the impending visit by General Ashfaq Kayani, the army chief, also hints at a major policy shift within the civil-military establishment of Pakistan. A foreign office spokesman in Islamabad, on condition of anonymity, said, “We have turned a new page in our relationship with Russia. It is a major shift.”
Pakistan is an active member of the world community in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. Taking into account this special significance and the negative publicity it gathers from the world media, it would be useful to expand cooperation with the SCO states, especially Russia and China. This cooperation can also be in areas such as prevention and mitigation of natural and technological disasters, emergency management, training and development of local experts, in which Russia has rich experience, scientific and technical resources coupled with human and financial resources.
The current upturn in ties can be used to develop long-term economic cooperation with Russia. Moscow has expressed interest in participating in the construction of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline), CASA-1000 (Central Asia South Asia Regional Energy and Trade) and the Pakistan Steel Mills. In this regard, Islamabad could prepare proposals for Moscow’s participation in the implementation of major infrastructure projects in the country, leading to a positive development in bilateral relations.
Pakistan enjoys a great strategic edge, serving as a bridge and corridor to different regions. This also gives Russia an attractive spot to materialise on its strategic depth. Therefore, the ongoing developments between Moscow and Islamabad, high-level visits and Pakistan’s possible role in the SCO signals a greater South and East Asian alliance in the form of the SCO and an axis of China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran partnership, which can bring positive developments not only to the region but also to the Asian continent as a whole.
The writer is working as a research analyst, programme consultant and content editor at the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad along with pursuing his Research Studies in Public Policy from Germany. He can be reached at [email protected]