ASIA offers a wide range of opportunities and options for global powers, making it a valuable resource. Pakistan’s strategically important location is a magnet for regional powers. In the field of geopolitics, ties are prone to change depending on the options at hand, often resulting in substantial swings in power influence. Russia, specifically, is realizing the possibility of becoming a dominant power in the region. Although Pakistan and Russia have not historically had friendly relations, the current strategic circumstances have led to a favourable change that is advantageous for both Islamabad and Moscow. Despite their prior enmity, Pakistan and Russia are currently embracing the notion of constructing and enhancing their partnership. The China-Pakistan-Russia triangle is becoming increasingly comprehensible as it becomes evident that all three nations are highly compatible with each other. China, Pakistan and Russia are all nuclear-armed nations. Additionally, China holds significant economic influence, while Russia boasts sophisticated military technology. Pakistan, in return, provides the benefit of the Gwadar Port to augment its exports and imports. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has attracted substantial investment.
Moscow, through its strategic alliance with Beijing, membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS and its dedication to the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), can play a role in strengthening China-Russia cooperation and promoting multinational collaboration in the future. Islamabad and Moscow maintain amicable relations with Beijing to further their national goals through regionalism and open diplomacy. China wields economic power in the former Soviet Union region and is seen as a shareholder in CPEC. However, it is improbable that China will meddle in Pakistan-Russia relations because Russia is known for supplying energy to China’s allies.
Despite Russia’s efforts to foster a favourable connection with India, India remains cautious about Russia’s participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) due to the enduring conflicts between Delhi and Islamabad and its historical territorial disagreements with China. Incorporating Russia into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will alleviate global worries and India’s unwarranted unease regarding supposed Chinese threats. Russia’s participation in the CPEC project is driven by its own economic, security and geopolitical objectives. India, as an emerging force in South Asian regional geopolitics and the United States, as a global power, face a problem due to this circumstance. India is apprehensive about the strengthening alliances between Pakistan, China and Russia. Conversely, India is actively broadening its economic and commercial interactions with China and Russia, thereby strengthening its defensive capabilities.
The strategic placement of South Asia at the intersection of key global trade routes, including the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, is of great significance. The area plays a major role in the global economy, with countries such as India and Bangladesh functioning as vital industrial centres and exporters of goods. To accommodate its increasing population and thriving economy, South Asia acknowledges the crucial necessity of constructing extensive infrastructure. Investing in contemporary transportation infrastructure, such as highways, railways and ports, may efficiently promote both regional and worldwide trade, thereby promoting economic expansion, creating job prospects and improving living standards. Furthermore, the presence of communication infrastructure, such as fast internet connectivity, can greatly enhance economic growth and promote social unity. It enables inhabitants in the region to obtain information, communicate and actively engage in the digital economy.
The implementation of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, has the potential to significantly decrease the region’s dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and foster sustainable economic growth. The water management infrastructure that includes irrigation systems and water treatment plants has a crucial function in reducing water scarcity and improving the quality of water resources. This, in turn, promotes agricultural production and sustainable development. Tackling poverty and inequality is a top strategic objective for South Asia. This goal can be accomplished by promoting equitable economic expansion, guaranteeing access to essential services such as education, healthcare and clean water and making significant expenditures in infrastructure advancement and employment generation.
It is crucial to improve governance and decrease corruption to build trust and promote societal unity. This can be achieved by strengthening institutions, advocating for the rule of law, and increasing public involvement in decision-making. To counter the negative impact of political instability on economic development and security, South Asia should prioritize initiatives promoting discussion, reconciliation, and conflict resolution. Defending human rights and the rule of law is essential. Developing resilience to climate change is a key part of South Asia’s long-term plan, as the region is highly vulnerable to its effects. Allocating resources to sustainable infrastructure and environmentally conscious policies is vital to reduce climate impacts and foster long-term resilience. South Asia offers opportunities for strategic development in infrastructure, renewable energy, and tackling socio-economic issues. Achieving these goals requires collaboration among regional countries and with the international community (Devi, Venkatesh, Subhashimi, & Kumar, 2024, pp. 9372-9385; Belokeriitasky, 2023, p. 34).
The chapter on Pakistan-Russia strategic relations reveals a complex interplay of historical alliances and contemporary interests in South Asia. Once distant during the Cold War, the evolving partnership between Pakistan and Russia has transformed into a collaboration marked by mutual interests in defense, energy, and regional stability. This relationship is viewed with apprehension by India due to perceived security implications and underscores Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its international partnerships. The Pulwama crisis has highlighted the sensitive nature of these relations in the context of Kashmir and broader security concerns. Despite challenges and differing perspectives on issues like Crimea and Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia’s convergence of interests reflects a shifting geopolitical landscape in South Asia. As Afghanistan navigates its security challenges, Russia’s objectives underscore its role in shaping regional stability and promoting multilateral engagements in the region.
—The writer, a PhD scholar, is associated with Islamia University Bahawalpur.
