The reset in Pakistan-Russia ties is a welcome development. Moscow’s eagerness to reorient bilateralism has its origin in changing dynamics in the region and beyond, and it is a good omen that Pakistan’s indispensability is being recognised. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s special video message to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was expressively marked with a gesture to graduate the existing level of interaction. While Moscow and Islamabad have had a love-hate decorum for a major timeframe in the past decades, it is soothing to see them move ahead in congeniality, and with a decisive mindset to further cooperation.
It is perplexing to note that the volume of trade is dismal as exports to Russia are less than $200 million, whereas imports linger to the tune of around $600 million. Nonetheless, the amalgamation touch-bases from defence to agriculture, and from leather produce to oil and gas. The 2014 defence accord links them in big-ticket armament through which Moscow has supplied Mi-35 attack helicopters, anti-tank systems and air defence weapons to Islamabad. Likewise, Pakistan Steel Mills and the Guddu Thermal Power Plant are symbols of industrial nexus that must see replication in years to come. The $2.5 billion Stream Gas Pipeline, spanning 1,100 kilometers, from Karachi to Kasur, coincides with CPEC’s first phase completion, and initiation of industrialisation in Pakistan. No amount of realpolitik must obstruct its realisation in toto.
On the diplomatic front, a lot of patch-work is required. There is still a sense of estrangement on regional issues, and Afghanistan is at the root-cause of discord. Similarly, the conflict in Ukraine has come as a real challenge, and Pakistan’s neutrality with Kiev, and condemnation of Russian aggression is in the spotlight. There are many common denominators in trade and commerce as well as in multilateral fields, and that must stand recognised. The debut crude shipment testifies that Moscow is on the map of energy suppliers, and is worth 10 cents.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2023.
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