MOSCOW – Indian policy makers watch with anxiety as Pakistan Chief of ArmyStaff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa reachedRussialink> for an official visit, astatement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Serious concerns have been raised by Indian defence experts over Russialink> Pakistan growing defence andmilitary ties. India was once the darling of Russialink>and now it is seeing Russialink>cozying up with Pakistan.

Gen Bajwa met Colonel General Oleg Salyukov, Commander Russian FederationGround Forces at Kremlin Palace.

Upon his arrival at the palace, Gen Bajwa was presented guard of honour.National anthems of both countries were played and the COASlink> laid a wreath at the tomb of anunknown soldier.

Gen Salyukov acknowledged the achievements of Pakistan Army in the fightagainst terrorism and it’s contributions towards regional peace andstability.

The Russian Ground Forces Commander said that Pakistan is ageo-strategically important country and expressed Russialink> ‘s keenness to expand itsexisting bilateral military-to-military cooperation.

Gen Bajwa thanked Gen Salyukov and said that Pakistan reciprocates Russialink> ‘s desire for enhanced bilateralmilitary engagements.

The COAS link> acknowledged thatRussialink> recently played a positive roleto help resolve complex situations in the region.

He assured that Pakistan will continue to play its part to keep conflictsaway from the region and seek approaches which bring regional convergencesinto play rather than divergences.