Russia and Pakistan Relations
Russia is a super power and USSR was a dominant player in the region. On 1 st 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.