Prime Minister Imran Khan has just returned from a visit to Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics and show solidarity with Chinese leadership after a diplomatic boycott by the US and other Western nations. The success of the visit will be gauged over the second phase of CPEC which the government claims has started and Chinese firms are ready to invest.
It is certain that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s position towards the West is becoming increasingly defiant. He is now set to embark on a historic visit to Moscow later in February on the invitation of Russian President Putin, making him the first Pakistani prime minister to visit the country in two decades. Relations between the countries remained frosty since the end of the Cold War but have warmed over the years. The positive trajectory has eventually paved the way for Khan’s visit.
The visit is considered to be a clear signal to the West over Pakistan’s inclination. US President Biden snubbed the prime minister and has not made a phone call since assuming office. Pakistan also resisted providing military bases to the US after Afghan withdrawal. The visit is also crucial as Pakistan’s stance on the Ukraine crisis, which has increased tensions between Moscow and the West, could be known.
Pakistan’s pivot toward Russia could benefit trade and the economy. There is huge potential on energy cooperation and Pakistan has been focused on building a gas pipeline project. Pakistan is facing a gas shortage and is struggling to raise production amid growing demand. Now the visit between the two countries is certain and could pave the way on Pakistan’s future foreign policy.
Russia and China have recently declared a ‘no limits’ partnership to counter the West. The leaders have backed each other on NATO, Taiwan and Ukraine, saying there are no ‘forbidden areas’ in cooperation. Putin also announced energy deals worth $117.5 billion during his recent China visit.
Pakistan’s tilt toward the powerful alliance will change the status quo in South Asia to counterbalance India. It is unlikely that Moscow will downgrade ties with New Delhi but the dramatic shifts in geopolitics dynamics and regional security has changed Pakistan’s perception to shift further away from the US camp.
