Abstract
It would be an important relationship for Pakistan to become
a regional partner of Russia which is a major regional and
world power, having great economic potential and the right
to exercise the veto power at the UNSC. With the tense
history of their Cold War relationship, the Afghan Jihad
against Soviet occupation and the subsequent „war on terror‟
now behind them, Pakistan and Russia see their strategic and
economic interests converging in the face of the awaited
withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Afghanistan in
2014. Both envisage a role for themselves in achieving peace
and stability in Afghanistan and economic cooperation in
Central Asia. While Pakistan needs Russian investment for
reviving its economy due to dwindling American aid, Russia
also eyes Pakistan as a good destination for its investments
and trade, with India getting closer to the US and Europe in
its place. It is in this light that the recent progress in PakRussian relations is being seen. Another helping factor in this
growing closeness is the strategic partnership India and the
US have struck. Therefore, whatever the constraints, the
relationship has strong prospects. And Pakistan has to keep
its diplomatic focus on this mutual interest.
Muhammad Hanif. (2013) Pakistan-Russia Relations: Progress, Prospects and Constraints, IPRI Journal, Volume-13, Issue-2.
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