Being ‘on the receiving end of American global hegemony’ didn’t pay much: Pakistan eyes on strengthening ties with Russia
Pakistan has also agreed to pay back the $93.5 million it had borrowed from Soviet Union, hence eradicating the last obstacle in its commercial ties with Russia.
Pakistan, who previously settled a Soviet-era dispute with Russia, is now looking forward to a new start in their bilateral relations. Geopolitics, along with promising new trade opportunities, can prove to be very beneficial for Pakistan.
The relationship between the two countries took a positive turn this week when Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan expressed desire to give it a powerful boost.
Trade Minister Denis Manturov, while leading a Russian delegation, hinted that his country might be ready to open its doors to Russian investors and businesses. Under the deal signed between the two countries, Russia will invest $1 billion in PSM (Pakistan Steel Mills), which was initially built with Soviet assistance as well.
Russia and Pakistan, in partnership , are also eyeing to reconstruct a gas pipeline, building a railway network and procurement of Sukhoi-built SSJ-100 narrow-body jets.
Pakistan has also agreed to pay back the $93.5 million it had borrowed from Soviet Union, hence eradicating the last obstacle in its commercial ties with Russia.
Geopolitical considerations may have had an influence previously, but the old alliances shift or become more flexible, as per the belief of some analysts.
“A new world order is in the making that provides Pakistan a window of opportunity to diversify its foreign policy options,” Dr Khuram Iqbal, assistant professor at the National Defense University of Pakistan, said.
Although Pakistan did side with US during the Soviet military invasion in Afghanistan and played a role in the post-9/11 War on Terror, but being ‘on the receiving end of American global hegemony’, it didn’t pay off much.
Russia has played a role in cooling down tension between Pakistan and its neighbours.
“Russia has a proven history of acting as an effective mediator between India and Pakistan”, Iqbal stated.
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