In bolstering ties with Russia, Pakistan is in a win-win situation: Sehgal

Senior defence analyst says Islamabad must implement a neutral yet powerful foreign policy


News Desk November 06, 2018
Senior defence analyst says Islamabad must implement a neutral yet powerful foreign policy. PHOTO: FILE

Pakistan's is in a win-win situation as far as ties with Russia are concerned, senior defence analyst and security expert Ikram Sehgal said on Tuesday.

"Pakistan should maintain friendly ties with Moscow, yet it must implement a neutral foreign policy," Sehgal said while talking exclusively at Tribune 24/7 programme.

The analyst was speaking at Tribune 24/7 show Beyond the News hosted by Ahmed Shah, on the joint military drills with Russia.

He pointed out that despite reservations expressed by India and Afghanistan, Russia has taken an independent course, and is organising Afghan talks in Moscow.

To a question about Russia providing advance defence system to India, Sehgal said, "It is India that should be concerned about our Moscow's ties with Pakistan."

PM Imran meets with Russian counterpart in Shanghai

"The bilateral ties include military relations, joint exercises, foreign policy initiatives, economic overtures, energy measures, as well as  participation in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," he the security expert highlighted.

"India will not understand that Pakistan is not alone," he said as regards Pakistan's powerful foreign policy.

Sehgal reiterated that Pakistan must put in place a neutral foreign policy, but also pursue its policy of maintaining friendly relations with all regional players, and the world community.

On Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan met his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev on the sidelines of the China International Imports Expo (CIIE).

On the same day, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa lauded the joint military exercise with Russia, and said that joint training is a great forum to reinforce existing relationship between the two militaries.

 

COMMENTS (1)

Chacha Jee | 5 years ago | Reply In friendship with Pakistan, what is Russia willing to give up... Will it be S400 Missile Defense System, or Submarines? Russian will not sell a bullet to Pakistan till India approves. What will Pakistan export to Russia? Then there is issue of CBMs. Russian in March 2016 deported over 100 Pakistanis from Moscow Airport even though they had valid visa and proper documents. For skeptics, there is beautiful Actress Saba Qamar's video on you tube to watch. Test of Pakistan's real friendship with Russia will come in approximately 10 years when India's defense budget will reach $100 Billion annually, an increase of $50 Billion from today.
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