The global geopolitics has changed a lot since the Cold War, moving from unipolarity to multipolarity and shifting of alliances at the regional at global levels. The relationship between Islamabad and Moscow has changed from historical animosity to a growing partnership. This new partnership, though still in its formative stage, reflects a broader strategic recalibration in Eurasia. From energy infrastructure and military exercises to diplomatic engagement in multilateral forums. The cooperation across multiple dimensions reflects a significant change in Pakistan-Russia relations.
Russia officially lifted its long-standing arms embargo on Pakistan in 2014, marking a strategic shift.
During the Cold War, the relations between Pakistan and Russia were hostile with each other. Pakistan joined the Anti-Soviet bloc and signed agreements like SEATO and CENTO to counter communism in the region. At the same time, the USSR’s proximity to India made relations worse. Due to divergent views on regional and global security, the ties remained antagonistic during most of the time of the Cold War.
After the disintegration of the USSR in 1991, the ideological rivalry had faded at the international level. This significant change opens a new door between Pakistan and the newborn Russia. After the end of the Cold War, there was no significant change between Pakistan and Russia because Russia was more likely to be a part of the Atlantic order. Subsequently, Russia’s stalemate with the Western powers turned its attention to the Asia Pacific. There are no permanent friends and foes in international relations, only permanent interests.
Due to Russia ‘Pivot to Asia’ policy, Moscow adopted a more nuanced strategy toward South Asia. While valuing its historical alliance with India, Russia initiated its ties with other powers of South Asia, including Pakistan. Despite the prevailing animosity of the Cold War, both Pakistan and Russia wanted to work on shared concerns, including counter terrorism in the region, stability in Afghanistan, and diversifying their economies beyond traditional partners.
The Russian Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan in 2007, the first high-level visit in decades, was a pivotal moment and illustrated Moscow’s intention to restore bilateral relations. Afterwards, both countries paid a series of high-level visits to each other’s countries to strengthen their relations in several areas.
Bilateral trade crossed $1 billion in 2024, reflecting expanding economic ties.
A breakthrough happened in 2014, when Russia officially lifted its long-standing arms embargo on Pakistan, showing that strategic confidence had been built. The idea of realism in international affairs says that “there are no permanent allies or enemies-only enduring interests”. This strategic shift between Islamabad and Moscow fits with the idea. Both countries come up with plans to re-establish trust and work together based on their self-interest.
In modern times, both Pakistan and Russia realigned their foreign policies due to substantial changes in global and regional geopolitics. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 posed unique challenges for Pakistan and Russia. As instability in Afghanistan will lead to instability in the region. This prompted both countries to cooperate to maintain stability in the region. Apart from security, both countries also sought to diversify their economies beyond traditional powers. This shared cooperation established the basis for increased collaboration in multiple areas, like diplomatic, economic, and defense.
Diplomatic cooperation between Pakistan and Russia has expanded noticeably in recent years. In 2024, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk paid a visit to Islamabad. In this visit, both countries discuss deepening ties across various sectors, including trade, energy, and connectivity. Later in October 2024, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met with Russian counterpart Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Islamabad.
In the sideline meeting. Leaders from both sides discussed the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations over the last two decades, and both leaders also agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, connectivity, and education. Russia also supported Pakistan’s bid to join the BRICS group further reflects growing diplomatic ties. Overall, the diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Moscow have evolved into a dynamic partnership aimed at fostering long-term stability and prosperity in the region.
Economic Cooperation – between both countries has grown significantly, and the bilateral trade crossed 1$ billion in 2024. Pakistan and Russia are seeking to diversify their economic engagement and reduce dependence on traditional partners. As Pakistan is facing an energy crisis so Russia’s vast energy resources, particularly natural gas and oil, can play a vital role in Pakistan’s energy security.
Joint military exercises like DRUZBHA enhance counterterrorism collaboration between Pakistan and Russia.
The Pakistan stream gas pipeline (formerly North-South Gas Pipeline) stretching 1100 Kilometers from Karachi to Lahore shows this growing collaboration. Moreover, both countries try to expand their trade relations across various sectors agriculture, industry, and defense equipment, as Russia looks to diversify its trade partners beyond its traditional focus on Europe.
For instance, Russia has invested significantly in industrial initiatives, such as the recent agreement to restore and modernize the Pakistan steel mill in Karachi. Additionally, Russia has supplied modern agricultural machinery to Pakistan, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Moreover, Pakistan and Russia are also collaborating under multilateral organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to fight terrorism in the region.
Defense Cooperation, a major turning point in the defense sector, happened in 2014 when Russia officially lifted its arms embargo on Pakistan. This development highlights the confidence-building and potential defense deals in the future. In 2015, Pakistan purchased an MI-35 helicopter from Russia reflects a shift in their relations. Additionally, Islamabad and Moscow also conducted joint military exercises, such as DRUZBHA (friendship), a series of joint drills to counter terrorism and enhance cooperation between the special forces of both states.
Pakistan and Russia are also collaborating in multilateral forums such as the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure to foster counter terrorism efforts. After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, both countries shared concerns over the spread of terrorism in the region. In response to these concerns, both countries are cooperating through intelligence sharing and conducting joint military exercises. Therefore, regional issues like Central Asia’s security dynamics and Afghanistan’s stability are likely to become important in the evolution of their defense relationship.
The emerging Pakistan-Russia relations in the 21st century are a noteworthy development in regional geopolitics. Despite the hostile relations during the Cold War Period, both countries are trying to strengthen their relationship in multiple dimensions. The cooperation in several areas has progressively strengthened by geopolitical change, shared security concerns, and economic diversification.
The Pakistan Stream gas pipeline symbolizes growing energy cooperation and regional connectivity.
High-level diplomatic visits highlight the commitment to enhancing relations in trade, energy, and security. Bilateral trade between the countries is also increasing, as it surpasses 1 billion USD in 2024. Recently, in July 2025, both countries signed an agreement to revive the Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) project, highlighting the practical benefit of this partnership.
Moreover, joint military exercises to counter terrorism and arms deals symbolize the increasing strategic confidence between the two countries. As Pakistan and Russia continue to deepen their strategic relations, it can play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of Eurasia in the 21st century.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
