MOSCOW – Indian policy makers watch with anxiety as Pakistan Chief ofArmy Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Russia for an officialvisit, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Serious concerns have been raised by Indian defence experts over RussiaPakistan growing defence and military ties. India was once the darling ofRussia and now it is seeing Russia 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 COAS laid a wreathat the tomb of an unknown 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 Russia’s keenness toexpand its existing bilateral military-to-military cooperation.
Gen Bajwa thanked Gen Salyukov and said that Pakistan reciprocates Russia’sdesire for enhanced bilateral military engagements.
The COAS acknowledged that Russia recently played a positive role to helpresolve 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.