And business
Pak-Russia ties seem to be making impressive progress. The thaw came this summer. Clearly both countries understand the consequences of another Afghan security vacuum well enough to turn their age-old disregard of each other into a progressive working relationship. That an arms arrangement initiated the exchange is natural under the circumstances. Not only is the Pakistani military actively involved in an anti-insurgency operation, it is also in the process of a transformation. This is the age of the elusive enemy within, and Russian counter-terror expertise, not to mention their tried and tested Hind helicopters, is welcome.
Significantly, the new partnership will also ease the financial burden on the military. The Americans are notorious for their long procedures and fat bills. So the diversity is all the better for its affordability. That is why the landmark deal for defence cooperation in late November came so quickly. New Delhi was upset, of course, with Putin having to assure it that the counter-terror partnership would help India as well. Now the defence cooperation is making way for more diverse commerce. Relevant ministries and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) are preparing working papers for increased agri-exports to Russia. At a time when Moscow has frozen agriculture imports from Europe, Pakistan could position itself nicely in a new, and large, trade frontier.
The regional implications of an improved relationship with Russia are profound. This means Russia, China and Pakistan can adopt a common strategy to deal with the post US departure scenario. And since after Zarb-e-Azb the Americans are also happy with Pakistan’s position with regard to the war on terror, Pakistan’s role has become more important. The Indians, for their part, need to be more understanding, and accommodative, of Pakistan’s position. Considering changing regional dynamics, they should also start talking to Pakistan instead of continuing with the new government’s rigid position.
