Pakistan's growing bonhomie with Russia: Time to sit up & take notice?

PAKISTAN'S relations with Russia were sour historically before a decision was taken to bring a strategic shift in Pakistan's foreign policy.

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The shift envisaged reaching out to Moscow as part of Islamabad’s efforts to diversify its foreign policy options in early 2000s. Since then, regular high-level visits and meetings have been the hallmark of recent Russia—Pakistan engagements.

Earlier this month, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari was the guest of honour at the function organised by the Russian Embassy in Islamabad to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory in the Second World War. Pakistan Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was also present on the occasion. He later visited Moscow from May 11-16 for meetings with Federation Council (Upper House) Chairperson Valentina I. Matviyenko and State Duma (Lower House) Chairman Vyacheslav V. Volodin. Gilani also met with the First Deputy Speaker of Russia's State Duma (the Lower House), Alexander D. Zhukov and emphasised the role of the State Duma, which remains pivotal in shaping the broader legislative and public discourse around Pakistan-Russia relations. Discussions focused on enhancing parliamentary exchanges, boosting trade and economic cooperation, and exploring collaboration in key sectors such as energy, regional connectivity, and security.