Islamabad. Relations between Pakistan and Russia seem to be getting stronger. In the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting held in Islamabad, it has been agreed to increase cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in the fields of trade, industry, energy, defence, connectivity, science, technology and education. In the midst of this meeting, Pakistan-Russian army also conducted military exercises. Not only this, Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif also openly supported the expansion of China’s BRI as well as Russia’s International North South Transport Corridor.
INSTC corridor is a dream project of Vladimir Putin which directly connects Mumbai with the Russian capital Moscow and other cities. Pakistan has a hidden intention behind increasing its friendship with Russia and it is also getting support from China in this. Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin had reached Islamabad with a huge team of 300 members to participate in the SCO meeting. Pakistan and Russia emphasized on cooperation to further improve the relations which have been strong for the last two decades. Russia and Pakistan agreed to increase cooperation with each other in multilateral forums like the United Nations.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is committed to strengthening political, economic and defense relations with Russia. The Russian PM said that relations between the two countries will be taken to new heights. The Russian leader said that his country wants to increase trade with Pakistan. Trade between the two countries has increased by 13 percent this year. Russia said that it has increased the supply of energy to Pakistan. Russian companies are developing the gas industry in Pakistan.
He said that Russia believes that Pakistan’s geographical location is very advantageous. Analysts say that Pakistan and Russia are trying to kill many birds with one stone. Pakistan wants to get membership of BRICS. BRICS summit is going to be held in Kazan, Russia and a decision will be taken on the inclusion of 10 new members. 34 countries including Pakistan have applied for membership in BRICS. Pakistan wants Russia to put its pressure on India to end its opposition so that the way for BRICS membership is cleared.