By: Azhar Azam
Russia resumes to flummoxing India with its steadily growing relations with Pakistan while giving an aloof response to India to isolating Pakistan. Its “tenuous” public stance on supporting CPEC eventually explodes more than what it may be termed as “stronger”.
After continuous denial of any interest in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Russia finally not only furnished strong support to the magical mega project but went a step ahead showing the intent to link its Eurasian Economic Union with the China’s Silk Road.
In an interview with Radio Pakistan, Russian envoy to Pakistan Mr. Alexey Y. Dedov said “Russia strongly supports China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project as it is crucial for Pakistan’s economy and regional connectivity”.
“CPEC is component of China’s Silk Road and his country was also working on a similar Eurasian Economic Union and China and Russia are holding discussions to merge the two projects.”
The Russian envoy was keen to quickly realize the North-South gas pipeline, emphasizing the close cooperation between the two countries in different areas and the need to enhance the bilateral trade. In defense cooperation, both countries have already signed deal to supply Pakistan the Hi-35 gunship helicopters.
Dedov categorically rejected all world reports that accuse Russia to support Afghan Taliban in an effort to fight Daesh or IS, describing these news “fantasies”. His statement comes at a time when Pakistan, China, and Russia are holding the third Trilateral Working Group’s meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow on December 27. The earlier two meetings were held in Beijing and Islamabad.
This October at BRICS summit in Goa, Russia refused to favor India to including Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring country in the joint declaration. Furthermore, Russia also declined Indian plea to at least suspend, if not cancel, the military drills “Friendship-2016” with Pakistan over Uri attack.
Besides these strategic cooperation, Russia with the help of China, provided a membership of Shanghai Cooperation organization (SCO). In November this year, Russia also earnestly participated in defense and military exhibition “IDEAS 2016 – Arms for Peace” held in Pakistan; Rosoboronexport, Russian sole state owned arms manufacturing made a debut as well.
An Indian strategic expert analyzes these developments as Moscow is not seeing India as a reliable friend or Partner. Indeed, it is cooperating & seeking cooperation from Indian’s regional adversaries – including by supporting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Afghan Taliban – “Russia is challenging India’s core interests”.
Asked about Pakistan-Russia joint military exercises in recent Heart of Asia, Russian presidential envoy to Pakistan Zamir Kabulov said “Moscow didn’t complain about India’s close cooperation with the US and so India also should not complain about much cooperation between Pakistan and Russia”.
He further said that ISIS in the subcontinent cannot be defeated without cooperation from Islamabad. Talking about Indian concerns, he said that we understand Indian concerns on western borders but we cannot combat terrorism efficiently and productively and eliminate it without Pakistan cooperation so we need their cooperation and they should also realize their importance and responsibility.
Ex-ambassador to Afghanistan described the Taliban as a “predominantly a national military-political movement”. “It is local, Afghanistan-based. They believe that they should have their perspective, fair share in the government of Afghanistan…They should talk and deal in their local context.”
Pakistan is fervently redeeming the opportunity to strengthen ties with Russia after deteriorated relations with the Unites States over suspension of F-16, hitches in release of coalition support fund, and once again leaving Pakistan in tatters by the US following its partial withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A piece published in Value Walk “China, Russia, Pakistan Superpower Triangle Becoming Reality” underscores “Both Russia and China have stepped up their diplomatic efforts to prevent New Delhi from isolating Pakistan and making it a pariah state”. “China has repeatedly pledged to help Pakistan in case of any foreign aggression.”
“India also loses in terms of its geopolitical from other nations. While India seems to have the support from Japan, it can’t fully rely on the US. It remains a mystery to what extent Donald Trump will be willing to help India in case of any military confrontation. In fact, it’s unclear if India even is going to get any kind of support from Trump at all. So Pakistan and its new superpower friends – Russia and China – appear to be on the winning side.”