Pakistan, Russia deepen strategic partnership

June 09, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Russia are steadily strengthening their bilateral relationship, evolving into what both sides now describe as a more stable and pragmatic partnership in a changing global landscape, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a webinar titled “Pakistan-Russia Bilateral Relationship at the Cusp of Shifting Global Order,” the minister noted that decades-old mistrust dating back to the Soviet era has largely diminished, paving the way for expanded cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and technology. He said the relationship has now transitioned from historical distance to what he termed a “trusted friendship.”

Leghari highlighted that this growing momentum has been supported by sustained high-level political engagement, including four recent meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He added that regular interactions within the framework of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), which he co-chairs with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, have played a central role in deepening institutional cooperation, as reported by APP.

According to the minister, the IGC has become a key platform for advancing collaboration across multiple sectors, including energy, security, strategic stability, and counter-terrorism.

While also aligning positions at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in support of a multipolar global order.

A major highlight of the discussion was enhanced regional connectivity, with Pakistan expressing interest in joining the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Leghari welcomed remarks by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk regarding linking the INSTC with Gwadar Port, a development he said could create a vital bridge connecting regional trade routes, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

He also noted that Russian leadership has acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue during recent Iran-US tensions, reflecting growing recognition of Pakistan as a constructive regional actor.

To further expand bilateral trade and resolve long-standing structural issues such as payment mechanisms, both countries have agreed to finalise the Program of Economic Cooperation for 2023–2030.

In addition, the recently signed Russia-Pakistan Readmission Agreement in Bishkek is expected to ease visa processes and boost business and people-to-people exchanges.

Leghari added that Pakistan’s expanding engagement with Russia was also evident through its participation in major international platforms, including the Kazan Forum 2026, St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and Moscow Energy Week.

Concluding his remarks, he said Pakistan-Russia relations are becoming an important pillar of Eurasian connectivity and regional stability in an increasingly interconnected world.

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