Pakistan Woos India's 'friend' Russia, Tempts Vladimir Putin With Arabian Sea Trade Route

Islamabad: Pakistan has decided to provide Russia with a trade route through the Arabian Sea, according to Abdul Aleem Khan, Communications Minister in the Shahbaz Sharif government. Khan told the media that Pakistan is offering trade routes through its Arabian Sea ports to Russia and other borderless Central Asian countries.

This is a new step toward expanding trade relations between Pakistan and Russia. Over the past few months, there have been frequent meetings between the leaders of the two countries. Abdul Aleem Khan said that this sea route will make Pakistan a strategic transit hub as regional supply chains shift to other corridors. Pakistan is leveraging its geographical location to connect landlocked Central Asian economies with warm-water ports.

Is Pakistan seeking an opportunity?

Central Asian countries and Russia have sought routes in recent years that bypass traditional maritime chokepoints and long shipping lanes. The Pakistani government is positioning its ports in Karachi and Gwadar as gateways connecting South Asia, the Middle East, and Eurasia. Pakistan wants these countries to become dependent on it.

Abdul Aleem explained that Pakistan's strategic integration into Belarus, Russia, and the Central Asia Corridor marks a new beginning for regional connectivity. As part of these efforts, six land corridors are facilitating transit trade. These include Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, as well as the China-Kazakhstan connectivity and the Trans-Afghanistan link connecting Central Asian countries to the Arabian Sea.

How are relations between Russia and Pakistan?

Pakistan and Russia have not traditionally been allies. This has been due primarily to Russia's close ties with India and Pakistan's pro-US stance. However, this situation has changed in recent months. The two countries are improving their relationship. Pakistan has emphasized improving relations with Russia, particularly in the area of ​​trade.

Pakistani Minister Abdul Aleem Khan recently met with Russian Minister Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev. The meeting emphasized the need to resume direct flights between Moscow and Islamabad without delay. Both sides emphasized cooperation in the transport sector, including the development of road networks and logistics corridors.