Pakistan has made gains in its stature due to its geographical location & importance as the gateway to major trade in the Central Region. The work on Pak-China Economic Corridor has enhanced the international community’s interest in the area. We must keep a fine balance in our relations with America and Russia. We must not forget the past behaviour of America in difficult times when Pakistan had alliances with one Super Power ignoring the other completely.
The policy of non alignment and non intervention must be the vanguard of our State. Russia has regained its status under the capable leadership of Vladimir Putin after the breakup of Soviet Empire into 11 States.
The trade volume between Russia and Pakistan has increased to 468 million dollars on yearly basis. According to reliable reports Pakistan & China has agreed to give access to Russia to the warm waters through Indian Ocean via Gawadar port. Inclusion of Russia in the economic corridor project will enhance regional cooperation and good will for Pakistan.
According to the report of a think tank (the American Strategic Studies Institute), Pakistan & Russia have been collaborating on their strategic relations since 2012. The recent improvement in Indo-American relations & statements of both the Indian Prime Minister & President Trump should open our eyes to the new realities. India has always tried to establish its hegemony in the region and this new initiative of Trump can promote Indian hegemonic designs.
The growing Russian influence in the region is not seen favourably by America and it has turned to support India against China & Pakistan. The three state’s economic, political & trade cooperation has panicked Modi. Russian support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue is also a development in the right direction. It is extremely important that our government should realise our national interests and welcome this drastic change in relations.
JAVAID BASHIR
Lahore
