Finally, a third option
Where the eyes of Pakistan always remained focused on either the United States or China when it came to gaining the much required support from a “World Power” and influence in matters pertaining to national interest, with Russia now there finally seems to be a much needed option C for Pakistan. Russia, despite the disintegration of the mighty Soviet Union in 1991, still remains a dark horse, and a significant global player bearing the power – and the potential – to influence global dynamics.
Pakistan’s long-time friend, and foremost ally, China, has played a key role in normalisation of relations with Russia, and remains a key member of the developing nexus.
The improving relations between Pakistan and Russia, have, however, caught the eye of experts and analysts after the visit of Russian Army’s delegation under the leadership of Deputy Chief of General Staff Israkov Sergi Yuryevich to North and South Waziristan regions. The delegation was received, and briefed by the Corps Commander Peshawar during their visit to Miran Shah in North, and Wana in South Waziristan. The Russian army team is the first ever to visit the tribal areas following the launch of the onslaught by Pakistan’s security forces against the operating terrorist networks and hideouts.
The Russian delegation was briefed about the landmark successes made by Pakistan Army, and the efforts underway to uplift the socio-economic development in the conflict-stricken FATA. The Russian team expressed their satisfaction over the developments, and praised the role of Pakistan’s security forces and local administration in bringing back the war-torn areas to life.
The complicated relations between Pakistan and Russia, amid the controversial proxy war better known as the “Afghan Jihad” and the disintegration of the Soviet Union restricting the World to Uni-polar status, found the road to recovery in 2014 with the visit of Russian Defense Minister to sign the Defense Cooperation Contract with Pakistan.
The two countries also engaged in joint military exercises back in 2015 and 2016, in order to strengthen the ties between the two defense forces to curb the global security challenges through exchange of expertise. Russia’s largest anti-submarine ship Severmorsk also participated in the recent International naval exercise (Aman 2017) organised by Pakistan Navy.
The 3-D opportunity
With Russia as a potential ally, Pakistan has the opportunity to capitalise on the 3 Ds i.e.: Diplomacy, Defense, and Development.
At international forums, where Pakistan had the US and China as leading World powers to seek support from in favour of its stance on global issues, now in the form of Russia there is a potential diplomatic partner to look at. Identifying the common interests of both countries, laying down the road map to achieve the same, and developing effective diplomatic channels are imperative to strengthening the ties between not just the two countries, but also to connect the people of different geographies.
In respect of defense, both Pakistan and Russia have already joined hands. Russian forces have been actively participating in joint military exercises with the Pakistani forces – one that stands out would be the special operations drills named Druzhbha (Russian word for friendship) held in 2016 in which 200 military officials participated from both the countries. The purchase of MI-35 helicopters from Russia was also confirmed by Pakistan, and the deal is already on the table.
Last but not least, development is core to the prevalence of any country in this economic and technological age. Pakistan can benefit from Russia in the domains of infrastructure development, education, technology sharing, and trade. Providing Russia with its much needed access to the warm waters, Pakistan can find itself in a strong position to bargain with the latter and seek its assistance in the aforementioned domains.
Let bygones be bygones
Memories of the past remain the biggest hurdle in the establishment of cordial relations between countries. For a prosperous future, it is imperative for countries, suffering from reluctance in normalising their relations with others, to resort to the approach of forgive and forget.
In context of Pakistan and Russia, similarly, the past has remained a cause of discord between the two. Pakistan’s inclination towards the US, and the then Soviet’s towards India kept apart both the countries, and this discord intensified with the Soviet’s invasion of Afghanistan, which ultimately led to its disintegration as a result of the proxy war (Afghan Jihad) sponsored by the US, and allied by Pakistan.
Now that after decades of resentment both the countries have chosen the right track for themselves by extending their hands in friendship, it is essential for both to live beyond the bitter past, and to work together to build a bright and prosperous future for themselves, the region, and the World at large.
The two must let bygones be bygones.
What does the future hold?
The uprising nexus of Pakistan, China, and Russia is already a cause of concern for both the US, as well as India. Turkey too has expressed its interest in joining the trio. Pakistan, however, must remain focused on its national interests, and those of its allies. A relationship based on mutual understanding and benefit will last long, and prove to be sustainable.
Pakistan and Russia hold the potential to not just benefit each other as potential allies, but to play a vital role in stabilising the vulnerable region through establishing security and peace, improving the lives of the people by promoting trade, and economic activity, and contributing to global dynamics through actively engaged, and closely tied diplomacy. The role of China, however, remains significant in taking this new dynamic duo forward in their endeavours.