World

Talking to The Bear

Improving ties with Russia is part of a more mature foreign policy geared to the needs of a changing world

Editorial June 18, 2015

General Raheel Sharif, has been in Moscow, meeting influential members of the Russian government and seeking to upgrade relations with Russia. PHOTO: ISPR

Pakistan is undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its foreign policy in line with changes in the region generally. There is a clear shift of gear in terms of relations with Arab states and now a warming of relations with Russia, the Bear to the north. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, has been in Moscow, meeting influential members of the Russian government and seeking to upgrade relations with Russia that have verged on the acrimonious in the past. Aside from the usual platitudes that come with official press releases on occasions such as this, the visit by the COAS is another one of those quietly-turned corners that are adding up to a reshaping of both foreign policy and foreign relations.

Russia and Pakistan had been bitter Cold War rivals, and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 was probably the nadir. The subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union, which was dissolved in December 1991, had consequences that are still being worked through; and an improvement in relations between Pakistan and Russia must be seen as a part of that process.Russia has traditionally been an ally of India, and did much to equip the Indian military for many years. India’s indigenous capacity for arms production has increased, and a shift away from the Russian orbit by India is in part driven by its own changing relationship with the US. It is now in the interests of The Bear in Moscow to improve ties with Islamabad, and this current meeting of military minds and the servicing of military needs should be seen in this light. The COAS visited a defence expo, doubtless with a shopping list in mind and combat helicopters doubtless high on the agenda, specifically the MI-35 that Russia has indicated it was willing to sell to us. What is now needed is a more multifaceted approach to developing ties with Russia. There needs to be focus on cooperation in the energy and manufacturing sectors as well so that the larger populations of both countries can benefit from improved relations. Improving ties with Russia is a welcome development and is part of a more mature foreign policy geared to the needs of a changing world. This was, perhaps, overdue, but better late than never.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2015.

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COMMENTS (7)

Ibrar | 8 years ago | Reply @Raj - USA: Pakistan has gone through great challenges since its creation. It's very survival was threatened by its congenial enemies so that it had to seek alliance from outside the subcontinent. Ties with the U.S. angered and alienated India which in turn sought alliance with the thenUSSR despite its declared non- allgned policy. Increasing U.S. Pampering of Pakistan further took a jealous and worried India closer to the Soviets. In the process India managed to extract a good deal from this Cold War collaboration while Pak leadership sadly did not emphasise much on aspect of tech transfer, preferring to buy finished products off the shelf. Interesting how loyalties can change but no doubt Indians have over the decades done some big hard work to be noticed by the Americans and it seems good days are in the offing. Coming to the question of Foreign minister, Pakistan government is unique because of its unique internal and external environment. The nature of our major issues require our civil and military leadership to be working in tandem and even sharing power for which Raheel Shareef is aptly poised to fill the gap. He is the first ever general completely on same page with his political partners. Our hostile environment and living next to a vile neighbour with evil intentions necessitated periods of military rules in the past thanks to the uncertain civil leadership vs military being the most binding force. Now that the country has acquired a defence parity in the region India is no longer a threat, hence further martial laws will have no justification. Geopolitical changes may give Indian the impression that they, as they always have wished, have now been issued with a certificate of having been upgraded to the status of a first degree relative of America. No doubt the U.S. Needs India in the current environment but to the disappointment of India America is in no rush to completely alienate Pakistan. It continues to see Pakistan's role in Global politics , particularly Afghanistan. India will certainly get access to a lot of American tech but will have to prove it can do some tricky jobs for thier new patron. Countries do not do relationships based on emotions, rather their national interests drive and maintain friendships. Pak-China alliance is too based on mutual interests and not necessarily permanently unalterable despite the depth of their understanding and nature of geopolitics of the region (including of course a common enemy) although going by their mindset India would very much like to escort China away from Pakistan. Coming decade meant to be most interesting.

straightshooter | 8 years ago | Reply Enough Indians already are moaning about the Pak Foreign minister not undertaking the tour instead. This matter must be of true concern to them. The effect is desired and was 100 percent predictable.

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Muhammad | 8 years ago | Reply @Chopra: There were real pictures as well but these were probably stolen by an Indian Soviets still have a backlog of Indian chowkidars working there and waiting to be sent back to Dhartimata. So you will have to wait for the real stuff for few more years ...but do not be jealous, Russians have given you a lot and made you develop from crawling to at least knee walking. Americans will do the next by training you how to walk on feet while Pakistan would aim to keep you on your toes! And China will of course have a special plans for you depending on how much Punga you were going to risk in South China & Indian Ocean. If CPEC materialises the ultimate product is intended to be an Indian sandwich. I expect many more photo opportunity for Gen Raheel or his followers in future!!! Did you get the answer to your loose sarcastic comment?

Chopra | 8 years ago | Reply Why is there a Photoshoped picture of him in front of the Tank. Did they not let him take a real picture there.

Toticalling | 8 years ago | Reply The question in my mind is why is this being done by the army chief and not by civilian leadership?

Ali | 8 years ago | Reply Commenting on the history or Pak-Soviet relations and failing to mention OGDC and Pakistan Steel Mills doesn't do justice to the topic. Faiz was awarded the Lenin star, so there is a lot more to Pak-Soviet and now Pak-Russian history then just what happened in Afghanistan (and U2).

Raj - USA | 8 years ago | Reply " ................the visit by the COAS is another one of those quietly-turned corners that are adding up to a reshaping of both foreign policy and foreign relations." Reminds me of what I read in Pakistan's leading newspaper "Dawn" few years ago. It goes somewhat like this: During a meeting/conference Afghanistan's President Karzai introduced someone to Pakistan's Prime Minister Gilani as Afghanistan's "Minister of Shipping and Ports". Gillani commented "You are land-locked and do not have a sea port. So, what will this Minister do?". Karzai replied "Well, you also have a Foreign Minister". To the credit of Nawaz Sharif, he has done away with having a Foreign Minister in his Cabinet.

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