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

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."



"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.