Pakistan-Russia Relations in Changing Geostrategic Environment

Abstract

Historically, due to Cold War politics, Pakistan and Russia have not enjoyed a long-term constructive relationship. However, changing geostrategic environment, which is marred with great power competition and changing alliances, has created an enabling environment for Pakistan and Russia to bridge the divergences and construct a pathway toward a strategic partnership. Over the last two decades, Pakistan and Russia have significantly improved their relations and cooperated in several areas such as counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, military-to-military engagement, economy and diplomacy. Despite the relationship being nascent, it currently has the potential to develop into a long-term strategic one, if both sides overcome existing challenges through diplomatic efforts, expand current areas of cooperation and find new avenues of bilateral engagement.