India suffers another diplomatic blow as Russia strengthens ties with Pakistan

India has encountered yet another diplomatic setback as strategic and economic relations between Russia and Pakistan continue to gain momentum. Indian media has expressed alarm over the strengthening of ties between Islamabad and Moscow, interpreting the recent developments as a blow to New Delhi's regional influence.

Indian outlets have pointed to a series of bilateral agreements as signs that even Russia, considered a longstanding Indian ally, is unwilling to support India’s aggressive stance toward Pakistan, particularly in light of cross-border tensions.

In April, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held key meetings in Islamabad with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, resulting in the signing of multiple agreements aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation.

These included discussions on enhancing trade, energy partnerships, and infrastructure development.

In 2024, trade between Pakistan and Russia reached $1 billion, with both countries closely collaborating in the energy sector. Talks have advanced on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline project, underscoring the deepening strategic economic engagement.

Read: Pakistan, Russia to jointly establish new steel mill in Karachi

Russia also acknowledged Pakistan’s growing role in the region, especially in the context of Central Asian connectivity. As part of this evolving partnership, both nations are considering a new barter trade system.

Importing Russian oil and gas at concessional rates has been labeled a crucial breakthrough for Pakistan’s economy.

A major industrial project has also taken shape, a new plant spread across 700 acres at the Pakistan Steel Mills site is being constructed using cutting-edge Russian technology.

Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly reduce crude oil transportation costs and slash Pakistan’s steel imports by 30%, potentially saving the country up to $2.6 billion annually.

This development followed a high-level meeting between Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev and Pakistan’s Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer.

Earlier in April, Russian representative Denis Nazaroof also met with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan to discuss the new steel mills project.

Meanwhile, Indian attempts to undermine the growing Pakistan-Russia partnership through media propaganda have failed to gain traction. Russia and China’s sustained investment confidence in Pakistan reflects the effectiveness of Islamabad’s foreign policy approach.

Following India’s recent military defeat and its increasing diplomatic isolation, New Delhi now finds itself further cornered as Russia maintains neutrality in the conflict and continues its cooperation with Pakistan.

“Russia’s unexpected hand of friendship to India’s rival Pakistan may strain its traditionally warm ties with New Delhi,especially at a time when geopolitical alliances are shifting fast,” noted Indian news outlet Zee News. “The development comes as India-Russia relations are already being tested by Moscow’s growing closeness with Beijing and its evolving energy and defense ties in Asia.”