DefinePK

Abstract

<jats:p>Pakistan and Russia have a history of divergence and ambiguity in their foreign policies. Since Independence Pakistans policy towards Russia remained complex and contradictory. Historically there were highs and lows in their relationship, but uncertainty prevails in their approaches. This was due to Pakistans western inclination and Russias pro-India alliance. However, the relationship was revitalized in the last 2 decades as both states see strategic interest in improving the relationship. Russia has started to exert itself as a superpower in the current geopolitics whereas Pakistan has also managed to improve its status as a regional player with respect to geostrategic location, its proximity to hot waters and its role in Afghanistan. However, Pakistans foreign policy realignment took 50 years to adjust to improve the Pak-Russia relationship. One needs to assess the determinants of Pakistans foreign policy with respect to Russia with historical contradictions and current reality.</jats:p>