Pakistani and Russian experts believe that enhanced economic cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow can lay the foundation for a robust strategic engagement between the two countries without being affected by the Indian factor.
These views were expressed at a webinar hosted by Strategic Vision Institute (SVI) on “Pakistan-Russia Strategic Relation” in which scholars and practitioners from the two countries analyzed the current state of the relationship and the prospects of forging a strategic partnership, according to a press release issued by think tank on Monday.
Some of the experts feared that Pakistan may have been not too good in benefitting from the positive trends in the ties. Amb. (Rtd) Zamir Akram noted the existence of “convergence of strategic interests” between the two countries on peace and stability in Afghanistan, countering terrorism, and regional connectivity. He urged the government to engage Russian government and businesses in large scale projects in the country.
“The lack of progress has been mainly due to Pakistan’s own faults rather than any failings on the Russian side,” he observed while referring to Islamabad not having been able to benefit from Moscow’s interest in the privatization of Pakistan Steel Mills. Akram argued that notwithstanding New Delhi and Moscow’s desire to “maintain, strength and sustain” their relationship even in the backdrop of growing Indo-US nexus, there still existed space for promotion of Islamabad – Moscow ties.
In this regard, he recalled that the India-Russia joint statement issued at the end of President Putin’s visit to Delhi last month, unlike communiques issued after India’s engagements with Western leaders, did not contain any negative references to Pakistan.
He was, therefore, of the view that this reflected Moscow’s intent to have a balanced approach towards Pakistan and India. “I am sure and that is a signal to both of us,” he maintained.
His views were also shared by Dr Rizwana Abbasi, who teaches at National University of Modern Languages. She said that Russia’s S-400 missile system’s sales to India should not hinder progress in Moscow – Islamabad ties.
