Pakistan – Russia Relations: The Chinese Link

Abstract

The trajectory of Pakistan–Russia relations has historically been shaped by Cold War dynamics, with Pakistan leaning toward the United States while Russia fostered close ties with India. However, in the post–Cold War and especially post–9/11 era, significant transformations have occurred in the strategic calculus of both states. The growing influence of China as a global power has emerged as a pivotal factor in reshaping Pakistan–Russia relations. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has not only deepened Sino-Pakistan cooperation but also created avenues for Moscow to seek integration with regional connectivity projects. Russia’s interest in balancing India’s tilt toward the United States, its desire to expand its role in Eurasia, and Pakistan’s search for diversified partnerships beyond Washington have facilitated a pragmatic rapprochement. This study critically examines the “Chinese link” as the key catalyst in the evolving Pakistan–Russia partnership, analyzing its implications for regional security, energy cooperation, and the emerging multipolar order in Asia.