RIAC and SVI Policy Brief #65 / 2026
The first two strategic objectives of Russian foreign policy—ensuring national security and creating favorable external conditions for development—align with the goals of many other states and are essential for the normal functioning of any country. However, the third strategic objective, strengthening Russia’s position as a responsible, powerful, and independent center of power in the contemporary world,1 demands particular effort. These efforts should be directed not only at deepening traditional ties but also at forging new partnerships capable of enhancing Moscow’s presence across various regions and affording it greater flexibility both in foreign policy and economic policy. It appears that the Russian leadership views cooperation with Pakistan as one of the such promising partnerships.
What makes Russian-Pakistani relations distinctive is that they have seemingly contradictory characteristics. On the one hand, Moscow-Islamabad relations have hardly ever been among the key foreign policy priorities for either country, attracting the attention of national elites only in times of crisis. On the other hand, even in times of tension, particularly during their time as opposing blocs during the Cold War, or the aggravation of relations following the deployment of a limited Soviet contingent to Afghanistan, both countries did not pursue open confrontation and sought to maintain ties in other areas (excluding defense and security)—especially, in trade and humanitarian cooperation.
The Russian and Pakistani governments are determined to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level. Their main goal is to upgrade ties from ad-hoc cooperation (even if on important issues)2 to self-sufficient and predictable cooperation, featuring a stable agenda and clear prospects for development in key areas: politics, the economy, and security.
RIAC and SVI Policy Brief #65 / 2026
The first two strategic objectives of Russian foreign policy—ensuring national security and creating favorable external conditions for development—align with the goals of many other states and are essential for the normal functioning of any country. However, the third strategic objective, strengthening Russia’s position as a responsible, powerful, and independent center of power in the contemporary world,1 demands particular effort. These efforts should be directed not only at deepening traditional ties but also at forging new partnerships capable of enhancing Moscow’s presence across various regions and affording it greater flexibility both in foreign policy and economic policy. It appears that the Russian leadership views cooperation with Pakistan as one of the such promising partnerships.
What makes Russian-Pakistani relations distinctive is that they have seemingly contradictory characteristics. On the one hand, Moscow-Islamabad relations have hardly ever been among the key foreign policy priorities for either country, attracting the attention of national elites only in times of crisis. On the other hand, even in times of tension, particularly during their time as opposing blocs during the Cold War, or the aggravation of relations following the deployment of a limited Soviet contingent to Afghanistan, both countries did not pursue open confrontation and sought to maintain ties in other areas (excluding defense and security)—especially, in trade and humanitarian cooperation.
The Russian and Pakistani governments are determined to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level. Their main goal is to upgrade ties from ad-hoc cooperation (even if on important issues)2 to self-sufficient and predictable cooperation, featuring a stable agenda and clear prospects for development in key areas: politics, the economy, and security.
Russia-Pakistan Relations at the Current Stage: Views from Moscow and Islamabad, 6.5 Mb
