Key facts
- Pakistan aims to expand ties with Russia in trade, energy, defense, technology, and connectivity.
- A potential summit between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin is planned for late 2026 in Moscow.
- Sharif and Putin had a brief, informal interaction at the SCO summit in Bishkek.
- Pakistan is exploring connection with the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Pakistan is pursuing closer cooperation with Russia, with a potential summit between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin envisioned by the end of 2026 in Moscow and in 2027 in Pakistan. This development occurs despite Russia's efforts to bolster ties with Afghanistan's Taliban regime and its established relationship with India.