ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia are forging an emerging strategicpartnership, marked by advancing energy cooperation and deepening militaryties. Recent discussions on a comprehensive oil sector agreement, alongsideongoing military equipment supplies and joint exercises, signal a shifttowards multifaceted collaboration. This development builds on sharedinterests within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation framework, enhancingregional stability and economic interdependence between the two nations.
The 10th Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Islamabadin November 2025 underscored commitments to energy collaboration.Co-chaired by Energy Ministers Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and SergeiTsivilev, the session reviewed oil and gas sectors, including liquefiednatural gas frameworks and refinery upgrades. Protocols and memoranda ofunderstanding were signed, paving the way for the 11th session in Russia in2026.
Pakistan initiated discounted Russian crude imports in 2023, settlingtransactions in alternative currencies like Chinese yuan. This hasalleviated balance-of-payments pressures and reduced import bills. FinanceMinister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed ongoing ministry-level talks for abroader agreement encompassing exploration, production, refining, andpotential steel plant development.
Russian firms have expressed interest in modernising Pakistan’s refineries,boosting local processing capacities. Discussions extend to hydropower,renewables, and liquefied petroleum gas supplies. Pakistan’s offshore blockauctions present opportunities for Russian technological expertise inresource development.
Military cooperation has progressed significantly since the 2014 defenceagreement. Russia supplied Mi-35M helicopters equipped with Klimov enginesin the mid-2010s. More recently, Klimov RD-93 and upgraded RD-93MA enginespower Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fleet, co-developed with China, despiteoccasional geopolitical sensitivities.
The annual Druzhba counter-terrorism exercises, launched in 2016, exemplifybilateral military engagement. The 2025 edition focused on drone warfareand urban combat, involving special forces from both nations. Naval drillslike Arabian Monsoon further enhance interoperability.
Within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Pakistan and Russiacoordinate on counter-terrorism and regional security. Joint exercisesunder SCO auspices, such as Peace Mission, involve multiple members. Bothnations advocate for stability in Afghanistan and countering extremismthrough the organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
Geopolitical shifts have facilitated this rapprochement. Russia’s pivottowards Asian markets amid Western sanctions aligns with Pakistan’sdiversification from traditional suppliers. Shared SCO membership sincePakistan’s 2017 accession has institutionalised dialogue on economic andsecurity issues.
Analysts note that technology transfers and investments could benefit botheconomies. Enhanced energy ties promise reduced fuel costs for Pakistan andnew export avenues for Russia. Military collaboration strengthenscounter-terrorism capabilities amid regional threats.
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Challenges include logistical hurdles in energy trade and refiningcompatibility. Payment mechanisms and infrastructure require refinement.However, sustained high-level engagements demonstrate political resolve toaddress these obstacles.
The partnership reflects pragmatic foreign policies. Russia maintainsstrong ties with India while expanding South Asian engagement. Pakistanbalances relations with China and the West through diversified partnerships.
Future prospects include long-term joint ventures in exploration andindustrial sectors. The proposed 2030 economic cooperation programme aimsto elevate trade and investment. Connectivity initiatives could integratewith Eurasian frameworks.
This evolving alliance contributes to multipolar dynamics in South Asia.Mutual benefits in energy security, defence modernisation, and regionalconnectivity position Pakistan and Russia as key partners in a changinggeopolitical landscape.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1961445
Tags: Pakistan, Russia, Energy Cooperation, Military Exercises, SCOFramework, JF-17 Engines, Druzhba Exerciseogimageimage-name
