Pakistan And Russia: Past And Present Shift In Regional Dynamics

Abstract

The Relations of Pakistan and Russia (former Soviet Union) started on diplomatic grounds on May 1 1948. Both countries have close and cooperative relations based on International mutual cooperation and trust. The relations between Pakistan and Russia lost their warmth after the state visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan to USA. In Cold War period Pakistan took side with America and joined SEATO and CENTO against USSR. On the other side India was the member of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), that’s why Soviet Union was more close to India.  After the disintegration of USSR and the formation of Russian Federation, relations between Russia and Pakistan seemed to move forward towards normalization. Russia backed Pakistan’s permanent membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) which was very much valued by Pakistan’s Government. Meetings of Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Chiefs of Armed Forces and other officials of both the countries shows the level of relations of both the countries. Pakistan and Russia relations focused mainly on the safety and reliability of their nuclear weapons, exchange of anti-terrorism experiences and cooperation in drugs control.