75 years on, Pakistan-Russia relations are stronger than ever

2023 marks 75 years since the initiation of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia. These bilateral relations have witnessed many ups and downs since 1948. However, owing to the rapidly evolving geopolitical scenario, with the dawn of the 21st century, Islamabad and Moscow’s bilateral ties have turned a new page. The visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Russia in January this year at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and the various interactions and meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums as well as regular exchanges, have instilled a new impetus into bilateral relations. Both Lavrov and Bhutto-Zardari released video messages on the occasion of 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, expressing desire and trust to boost cooperation in diverse fields. 

In the last two decades, Pakistan and Russia’s diplomatic relations have strengthened, and the two countries have established regular high-level contacts. Among the significant developments were then President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Russia in 2011, and Moscow’s nod of approval towards Islamabad’s application for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). 

An important development occurred in 2014 when Pakistan and Russia initiated joint defense cooperation which included the exchange of military intelligence information, joint military exercises, and the sale of military equipment. Since then, Pakistan has purchased military helicopters and other equipment from Russia, including MI-35 attack helicopters, and has expressed interest in purchasing more advanced weapon systems such as the Su-35 fighter jet. In addition to arms sales, the two countries have held joint military exercises called "Druzhba" (friendship) since 2017, which have focused on counter-terrorism operations.

Another steppingstone in bilateral relations took place in June this year, when the first shipment of 45,000 tonnes (out of 100,000 tonnes) of Russian crude oil docked on Pakistani shores. Pakistan paid for its first government-to-government import of Russian crude oil in Chinese currency. This development is of huge significance for two reasons i.e., it’s the first delivery of Russian crude oil to Pakistan after western sanctions on Moscow, and the transaction took place in yuan not dollars.

Even after more than four decades, Pakistan Steel Mills and the Guddu thermal power-plant are considered powerful symbols of Russian energy cooperation and investment in Pakistan.

Sehar Kamran

In addition, it was reported that Pakistan is outlining a process to open barter trade with neighbouring countries of Russia, Iran and Afghanistan. These developments among many others indicate a changing regional and geopolitical order and is indicative of an emerging de-dollarisation pattern, as the country is willing to avail all opportunities to promote regional trade without any hindrance.

It is no secret that robust economic cooperation and trade between Pakistan and Russia can provide numerous benefits to both countries. Russia is a major energy exporter, and Pakistan can benefit from its oil and gas resources. Similarly, Pakistan can provide access to the Arabian Sea and the Middle East to Russian traders and suppliers. 

According to Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, the total volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Russia has witnessed a growth of 34% in 2022, as compared to 2021. It was $760.5 million in 2022-2023 (July-May), up from $567.5 million in the same period of the previous year. 

Islamabad and Moscow have an opportunity to capitalise on bilateral gains and increase economic cooperation which will further bring the two countries closer. In this regard, both countries will negotiate and sign new trade agreements in local currencies that will provide incentives for the growth of trade between the two nations, as well as to encourage investors by reducing import and export duties and tariffs. Pakistan and Russia need to develop a joint infrastructure of networks, encouraging shipping lines and creating better air routes to ensure that goods can be traded easily and reduce transportation costs. Pakistani traders and businessmen can explore the Russian market and vice versa to reap trade benefits. 

Even after more than four decades, Pakistan Steel Mills and the Guddu thermal power-plant are considered powerful symbols of Russian energy cooperation and investment in Pakistan, and will always be cherished by the people of Pakistan as strategic assets of the country.  

Russia is a major global power, and closer ties with Moscow could strengthen Islamabad's position in regional and global politics. Both Pakistan and Russia are proponents of regional stability, and have shown cooperation in tackling security challenges in Afghanistan. The two countries can even utilize the platform of SCO by advocating to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. In this rapidly evolving multipolar world, a long lasting regional and global peace cannot be achieved without Russia’s active participation and involvement.

Recent developments in Pakistan-Russian relations are good indications that the two countries are working towards constructive engagement in all areas of common interest. Despite some progress, both countries need to further strengthen their diplomatic, economic, military and most importantly, people-to-people ties to elevate this bilateral friendship and cooperation to new heights.

- Sehar Kamran is the President of the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS), she is a prominent politician, academician, and practitioner in the areas of regional, international defense, and strategic studies. Twitter @SeharKamran