Pakistan, Russia recalibrate ties with focus on energy and defence

April 13, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Russia are steadily expanding cooperation across key sectors including energy, trade, defence and regional security, which reflects a growing strategic convergence between the two countries.

The envoy noted that Islamabad would warmly welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin on a future visit, recalling recent high-level engagements between the two sides, including interactions between Shehbaz Sharif and Putin on multilateral sidelines, as well as meetings involving Sergey Lavrov and Ishaq Dar aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation, in an interview, according to APP.

Highlighting economic engagement, Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said both sides were working to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, a key pillar of bilateral relations.

He added that trade between the two countries was increasingly being conducted in alternative currencies, including the Russian ruble and Chinese yuan, due to global financial constraints, with transactions no longer reliant on the US dollar.

“Both countries are adopting alternative currency mechanisms for trade in view of global financial restrictions,” he said.

The ambassador also pointed out that Pakistan is keen to join BRICS, describing it as an emerging platform in the global economic landscape, and expressed hope for broader international backing for its inclusion.

He said Pakistan-Russia relations have expanded significantly in recent years, spanning energy, defence, economic cooperation and regional security.

On security collaboration, Tirmizi noted ongoing coordination on counter-terrorism efforts, including engagement under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

He further indicated that joint military exercises between Pakistani and Russian forces are scheduled to take place in Pakistan in September this year, underscoring deepening defence ties.

The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with Russia, aimed at promoting regional stability and mutual economic growth.

Copyright Mettis Link News