Jahangir's World Times First Comprehensive Magazine for students/teachers of competitive exams and general readers as well.
Despite being geographically contiguous, Pakistan and Russia have remained politically distant from each other during the last six decades. The framework of Cold War and the East-West confrontation defined relations between the two countries during that very period.
The regional bilateral relations sow the seeds of a multilateral approach based on the reciprocal benefits on equality basis. The question is whether cooperation bodes well for acceptance of the US politico-military leadership? Will such bilateral cooperation hurt the US interests in the region or the strategic diplomacy will be followed to balance the West with the East? In short, the central concerns of these analyses is how the Pakistan-Russia regional relationship affects, and are affected by, outside actors as well as themselves.
Both governments appear committed to deepening their economic relationship despite the perennial political difficulties. The close relationship with the United States complicates Pakistan’s dealings with Russia. At times the need to satisfy Washington’s perceived expectations of its alliance partner (non-NATO ally) requires Pakistan to pursue policies that risk offending Russia and that may therefore endanger Pakistan’s working relationship with Moscow.
Historically speaking, Pakistan’s foreign policy revolved around the orbit of India for most of its history. Pakistan’s foreign policy was formed in New Delhi. It used to do just opposite to what India did. Same was the case with India. The moment Pakistan got closer to the US and its sponsored defence alliances (SEATO and CENTO), India developed good bilateral relations with the former Soviet Union. This made Pakistani policymakers see Russia as the friend of the enemy — thus an enemy. Aligning itself with the Western alliance resulted in an anti-Soviet Union Pakistan and incidents like U-2 further fuelled to the fire in deteriorating relations between the two countries.
With the end of the Cold War, Pakistan was able to adopt an independent policy towards Russia. However, the past bitter perception always maligned any effort to improve relations. Efforts to develop relations still remained in the process. Former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif was the pioneer in making a bold effort to cultivate relations with Russia. He visited Russia during his second term and got into several trade and industrial treaties. This visit of a Pakistani prime minister was incredible because it gave a new turn to Pakistan’s relations with Russia. Later, the exchange of visits after every year or two became part of the routine foreign tours by both Pakistani and Russian top leaderships.
There is a potential for substantial improvement in the bilateral relationship during the second decade of the 21st century. Moscow is exhibiting increased confidence that Pakistan can best achieve its goals through cooperation, responsibility and constructive leadership by working within the regional system rather than against it, and by persuading its government that Russia’s national objectives are consistent with theirs. The manifestations of this orientation in Russian diplomacy include Russian leaders speaking like friends rather than cautious acquaintances, less official complaining for Pakistan’s pro-US policies, greater support for multilateralism in the region, and an omni-directional peace initiative as demonstrated recently. On the other hand, the growing anti-Americanism in Pakistan is also contributing to renew Russian interest in Pakistan and vice versa.
Despite being geographically contiguous, Pakistan and Russia have remained politically distant from each other during the last six decades. The framework of Cold War and the East-West confrontation defined relations between the two countries during that very period.
Thus the ups and downs in the Pakistan-Russia cold relations are still in motion. In 2010, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin hesitated in developing the strategic and military relations with Pakistan. The sole reason was that it was already engaged with India for its defence relations. However, in 2011, Mr Putin publically endorsed Pakistan’s ambition to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and also declared Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and the Muslim World for Russia. He also offered expansion in Pakistan Steel Mills, the provision of technical support for the Guddu and Muzaffargarh power plants and Russia was interested in developing the Thar Coal Project.
Warmer relationship is now approaching. After the Salala Post incident, Russia condemned the attacks and issued a friendly public statement. Russia also supported the closure of NATO supplies to Afghanistan through Pakistan.
The societies of Pakistan and Russia have a persistent undercurrent of strong, largely negative feelings toward each other. Pakistanis generally feel respect for the Russian achievements in the past and in the recent times. They still consider a country that is comparatively a greater power than others (minus the US). They also have a few bitter experiences which are genuinely making them think for having a positive approach for Russians. That is one of the big reasons that they are moving towards their erstwhile enemy and potential friend-Russia with open arms. The important point is how Russians will reciprocate such a cordial move. Need of the hour is to encourage regionalism for the betterment of economies and a society of the neighbours. Outclassing each other in developing friendly relations will be much more beneficial than exchange of hostile gestures. Not cooperation amidst antagonism but cooperation with cooperation will bear fruit for both the nations.
