Russian troops have arrived in Pakistan

A contingent of Russian troops have arrived in Pakistan for a joint military exercise to be held from September 24 to October 10. This is the first-ever joint military exercise between the two countries and is seen as another step towards improving the relationship that had deteriorated during the Cold War and has never quite recovered since then. Termed ‘Friendship 2016’, this exercise which will include around 200 military personnel is part of the military cooperation pact signed between Pakistan and Russia in December, 2014 which was seen as a turning point in the two countries bilateral relations. At the time this was seen largely as an opportunity for Russia to take advantage of Pakistan’s growing security needs to establish a new arms sales market. Efforts had been made before but had not borne fruit in the past due to obvious reasons. Pakistan which had served as an ally to the US during its Cold War with Russia had fallen out of favour decades before. Meanwhile India enjoyed a close relationship with Russia that included military and diplomatic cooperation. It was therefore not surprising that the upward turn in Pak-Russia relationship was viewed with concern both by India and the US.

This military exercise which comes at a time when India has issued threats of cross-border strikes and also revealed an intention to isolate Pakistan from its key allies is also likely to be viewed with consternation. Although the Uri attack’s aftermath turned the conversation regarding Kashmir towards militancy and Pakistan’s role in supporting the separatist movement in the region, so far most global powers have stuck to a largely neutral stance favouring diplomatic resolution of all issues. Neither the US nor Russia have issued statements in favour of any military excursions by India largely because of the consequences this could have considering that both parties have nuclear weapons. The Pakistan military establishment, meanwhile, is busy carrying out what it has clarified are routine preparedness activities. Regardless of the reason, this show of cooperation with Russia is likely to be noticed both at home and abroad.