Pakistan-Russia relations

Despite tough choices and sanctions, there is noticeably increased engagement between Islamabad and Moscow.

As important is diversifying trade partners as deeper cooperation with Russia may incur diplomatic consequences for Pakistan.

A close look at the substance of the relationship shows a marked lack of political will, or even interest, on both sides.

The Ukrainian foreign minister is reported to have met senior Pakistani intelligence officials during his recent visit to Islamabad.

There are strategic, economic, and geopolitical reasons for Islamabad to prefer ties with Washington over Moscow.

Despite Western sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has not openly objected to Pakistan buying oil from Moscow.

Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Islamabad is betting that Russia is the best guarantor of its interest in the South and Central Asia region.

Pakistan’s prime minister was in Russia as the invasion began; India and Bangladesh have similarly refrained from criticizing Moscow.

The crisis in Ukraine threatens to overshadow the first trip to Russia by a Pakistani prime minister in 23 years.

While Nagorno-Karabakh is over 2,000 kilometers from Pakistan’s borders, its conflicts may have a lasting effect on Pakistan’s diplomacy.

In recent years, Russia and Pakistan have put aside some of their differences. The coronavirus could accelerate this reconciliation.