It was long emphasized that Pakistan and Russia must work towards tapping their true economic potential. Unfortunately, the baggage of history, Russia’s tilt towards India, and Pakistan’s inclination towards America have been some of the major restraints towards this end.
However, at present, many a long-established patterns in Pakistan-Russia relations seem to be fading away. Amidst an on-again, off-again relationship with US, Pakistan has decided to diversify its bilateral ties with Moscow. At the same time, amidst increasing US sanction and a flourishing Beijing-Moscow cooperation, Russia has drafted a rather unconventional strategic calculus in which Pakistan fits well. Economy, being at the core of this strategic calculus, is driving Russia closer to Pakistan. This accounts for the current upsurge in their economic ties.
