Russia and Pakistan Relations

-

Russia is a super power and USSR was a dominant player in the region. On 1st May 1948, Russia and Pakistan started the diplomatic relations. Russia was most of the time busy in the cold war and relations of both countries saw ups and downs over the years. However, relations 1950s were well-built and in good health but relations went down when military took over Pakistan government.

Russia opposed Pakistan in Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. Soviets supported India in these wars. Russia vetoed every resolution about the situation of East Pakistan which Pakistan brought into the United Nations.  In 1970s, ties between both countries improved. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the first Pakistani Prime Minister to visit the Russian Federation. Bhutto and the Pakistani delegation were received with warmth and delight. Guard of honor was also given the Russian armed forces. In 1972, Soviet Union established Pakistan Steel Mill. The ties remained strong until Soviets attacked Afghanistan.

After that when Soviets entered Afghanistan, Pakistan played a key role in building and training resistance forces with the help of US. During a decade long Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, relations were at the lowest point. It was a complete vengeance in retaliation to the Soviet Union’s unconditional support to India especially in the war of 1965 and 1971 which resulted in creation of Bangladesh. During this period, Russia gave many threatening statements towards Pakistan.

After the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, things started to normalize. In 1989, Russian ambassador to Pakistan offered to build a nuclear power plant. Due to the American intervention, the project never happened.  Not only this, Russia also agreed to launch Pakistan’s second satellite for lowest charges.

In the present times, relations between Russia and Pakistan have greatly improved. Russia lifted the arms embargo on Pakistan. Pakistan has purchased Russian helicopters recently. Russia supported Pakistan in the war against terror. Russia in 2011 also supported the inclusion of Pakistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Russia also criticized the US Navy SEALs strike inside Pakistan in 2011. Russian military members also reached Pakistan to carry out military drills for the first time between two countries.

The relations softened between two countries over the time. The global affairs played a role in it. India, the largest buyer of arms is now looking to modernize its weapons is looking at US and European countries for this. Earlier, Russia was India’s largest supplier of arms. This moved the diplomatic ties between Russia and Pakistan and brought them together. Moscow’s this move came as India is moving away from it. Former Army Chiefs of Pakistan General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and General Raheel Sharif also paid official visits to Moscow. Pakistan is also trying to improve its ties with Russia as US has shown signals to abandon Pakistan if it does not comply with its demands.

Now the regional and world dynamics are changing. Once foes are now coming closer to each other. China and Russia are big regional powers and the current situation in Afghanistan is bringing both of them closer to Pakistan. China is already a trusty worth ally of Pakistan.


With the help of Russia and other major powers, world can become a peaceful place to live. Let the peace prevail.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Failure of Hyundai Santro in Pakistan

-
Image
It all started with just one man, a small repair shop and an insistence on delivering quality that still endures today.This is the story of Chung Ju-Yung. Born the son of a peasant farmer, Mr Ju-Yung launched Hyundai in 1947 at the age of 32. At first it was a small vehicle repair shop. Then it grew, and became the Hyundai Auto Service Centre. 20 years later, Hyundai vehicle assembly was born. The Pony hatchback soon followed, and today, Hyundai is the fifth largest car manufacturer in the world. The Hyundai Atos (also known as Santro) is a city car produced by the Hyundai. The original Atos was introduced in 1997. It uses the G4HC Epsilon straight-4 engine. The mkII version comes with a 1086 cc G4HG engine. Santro was launched in Pakistan in the Year 2000 and was a huge success due to many of its economical features. The first generation (1997-2000) Santro was introduced in 1997. It is fitted with a 999cc engine and has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h). It was succeeded by a
Read more

Federative Republic of Brazil

-
Image
Early History Brazil was discovered in 1500 by the Portuguese fleet commanded by Pedro Alvares Cabral. As Cabral landed his feet in Brazil there was great zeal and gusto among the Portuguese and the King started to back numerous explorations. However, the Portuguese failed to discover prized and valuable metals in Brazil and reduced their attention to the region in order to focus on trade with Asia which was much rewarding. The European adversaries were quick to take advantage of Portugal’s lack of interest in the South American country. The French were able to intrude the Portuguese claims in Brazil and started to transport dyewood to Europe. The laziness and lack of concern of Portugal ended during the rule of John III. He was the one who steadily shifted the focus from Asia to America. In 1533, the Crown of Portugal made the first organized efforts to establish government in Brazil. They divided the Brazilian colony into 15 captaincies each of which broadened 50 leagues
Read more

Canada : Past and Present

-
Image
Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of area. Despite being the second largest country in terms of area, Canada is lightly populated. Canada was mainly ruled by the French and the British. From the 15 th century, British and French voyages discovered, put down claim to and exchange blows over the places and territories in Canada. It covers a vast area and weather varies from cold to hot according to the geographic area. It was discovered in 1534 by Jacques Cartier. During an expedition in 1534, Jacques Cartier discovered the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and put the French Crown claim on the coast. After the Cartier’s reports, the French King made a decision to establish fortified settlements. Due to the internal politics, the French endeavor was delayed until 1941. Under the domination of Jean-François de La Rocque, sieur (lord) de Roberval, Cartier came back Stadacona and instituted Charlesbourg Royal which was north west of Quebec. Jacques Cartier was hope
Read more