Inshan Atta
Russia and Pakistan in their diplomatic ties in recent a couple of years have brought about a high-profile and diverse transformation. This paradigm shift in their relations is most likely to render them myriad of economic, diplomatic and most importantly strategic and Defence interests. Efforts from both sides have been continuously coming for the rapprochement in their historically bleak ties. This collaboration spanned numerous dimension primarily economic and defense. Russian military participation in joint military exercises arranged by pakistan in 2016, a recent visit of Russian foreign minister and gas pipeline project in Pakistan inked in 2013 are some of the major instances of reconciliation between two historic foes. Although several external forces deliberately strove enough to step in to dissuade Russian policy makers not to have joint military drills in Pakistan, Russia paying no attention to them remained determined and committed to consolidating and constructing multifaceted ties with Pakistan. Keeping external diversions aside, both states agreed upon the cultivation of deeper ties encompassing multiple reciprocal interests. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND * CAUSES OF ABSENCE OF CORDIALITY AND CLOSENESS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND PAKISTAN “Pakistan’s selection of America” After independence in 1947, being relatively pathetic in terms of economy and Defence capability, and most importantly the outbreak of cold war between America and USSR ( now Russia), the newly independent state had to side with any one of them. Preferably, Pakistan choose to go with USA and began to develop its amicable relations of all sort. This close partnership with USA created a major rift between Pakistan and Russia. Likewise, since USA in the region found its key ally in the face of Pakistan, Russia also had to search out vehemently reliable ally in the region in particular and the world in general to curtail USA and its allies which it ultimately found in the form of India. Russia began to generate its intimate relations with India. Playing key role as India’s ally in the war against Pakistan in 1965, Russia provided enough help to India in terms of economy and ammunition and nukes. Moreover; on account of Pakistan’s nexus with USA, Russia had been greatly antithesis to pakistan and conducive to India. “Pakistan joining of SEATO in 1954 and CENTO in 1955” Besides Pakistan’s nexus with USA, its role in the formation of SEATO was of a founding member along with other members as; USA, Australia, New Zealand etc, and joining of CENTO in 1955 were among the major causes of rift and animosity between Russia and Pakistan. Both organizations were basically set up for the Russian containment in the region in particular and the world in general. The step of Pakistan of being part of the SEATO and CENTO to ascertain Russian limitations added fuel to the fire. Thus, sensing the vulnerability of the situation and keeping its national interests at the topmost priority, Russia since then began to tilt to India and other states antithesis to USA. Putting it simple and plain, it played key role in widening the already unbridgeable gulf between two states. “RUSSIAN INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN 1979 ” The Russian invasion in 1979 of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s involvement in war against Moscow on the part of United States was one of the integral causes behind animosity and utmost absence of friendship between Islamabad and Moscow. According to some analysts and scholars, the situation and regional as well as global dynamics would have been entirely different if Pakistan had sided with Russia rather than being conducive to USA. However, Pakistan choose to be USA ally and supported it at a large scale. Playing pivotal role in helping USA making taleban in order to ascertain Russian containment deteriorated an already charged environment. “FACTORS BEHIND PROXIMITY BETWEEN RUSSIA AND PAKISTAN.” After 9/11 incident, relations between Pakistan and Russian entered into another dimension. This was certainly beginning of unprecedented closeness and cordiality in between two states. After disintegration of former USSR and its fast decreasing influence in the global arena, Russia moved ahead to begin to find out some of the reliable allies to regain its very clout. On other hand, after this tragic event world mainly united states started looking at Pakistan with vile eye and considering it as a safe heavens for terrorists. The major development came about post 9/11, which exponentially compelled pakistan to instigate some of changes in its foreign policy, was USA growing proximity to India. Thus, keeping into consideration USA – Indo chain , Pakistan seemed to be tilting towards Russia and endeavoring to mending its fences with it. “RUSSIA – INDIA WEAKENING RELATIONS ” Due to Indo – USA cordiality, promptly weakening relations between Russia and India was one of the significant factors that triggered Russia to move forge to enhance its ties with Pakistan. Seeing the India’s great willingness to USA, Russian policy makers thought that it was highly indispensable time to bring about a paradigm shift in foreign policy. “ENERGY INTERESTS ” A bit late but modest transformation in relations between Moscow and islamabad entails numerous interests. Energy interest is one of them. This cumulative mutual cooperation is highly likely to turn out to be considerably beneficial in terms of energy. The 1.7 billion gas pipeline project, which ranges from the southern port of karachi to the eastern city of Lahore, is a great example in this regard”ECONOMIC INTERESTS ” This dramatic transition in relations between Russia and Pakistan is most likely to aid and abet them in developing and enhancing economic interests. Both will considerably benefit from this cordiality by increasing the level of trade, ascertaining reciprocal augment in investment, tourism and so many other domains whereby both will have certainly significant growth in their respective economic interests.
“DEFENSE AND STRATEGIC INTERESTS”
In addition to other multiple economic, trade and energy related interests, defense collaboration and strategic partnership are included in this rapprochement as vital ingredients. Both Moscow and Islamabad have shown considerable willingness to developing strategic partnership and strengthening defense cooperation. The apt instance in this regard may be of the Russian participation in joint military exercises held in Pakistan in 2016. Also, Pakistan is extremely engrossed in Russian Air defense system. This mutual willingness and proximity from both sides shows affirmative omens of future collaboration and cooperation between Russia and Pakistan.
CONCLUSION
This path of collaboration is of utmost significance for the both states. In fast changing regional and global dynamics, and USA’s increasing proximity to India, Russia and Pakistan have most aptly and in time moved to a right direction. It will help both Pakistan and Russia secure their positions and ensure attainment of their national interests.