Russia & Pakistan sign defence cooperation agreement

[Neo]

Boosting defence ties: Pakistan, Russia sign landmark cooperation pact
By Kamran Yousaf
November 21, 2014


ISLAMABADakistan and Russia on Thursday signed an agreement to increase defence and military cooperation, the latest sign of gradual improvement in ties between the former Cold War adversaries.

The pact, whose specific details were not publicly shared, was signed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu, an official statement issued by the defence ministry said.

This was first visit by any Russian defence minister to Pakistan and was part of efforts to open a 'new chapter' in relationship often marred by deep suspicion and mistrust. A senior military official told The Express Tribune that the visit was a 'milestone in burying the bitter past' between Pakistan and Russia.

Talking to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity, the official disclosed that the defence agreement covered wide range of subjects including Pakistan's plans to acquire Mi-35 gunship helicopters and other military equipment from Russia.

"This visit is also important in the context of the post-2014 scenario," added another official, who said Russia was keen to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the wake of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

The official statement said the Russian defence minister's visit, which comes at a 'very critical juncture', will, apart from promoting bilateral defence relations, enable both countries to join hands in bringing peace and stability to the region.

Gen Shoygu was accompanied by a 41-member high level delegation and was received by Secretary Defence Lt-Gen (retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak and Secretary Defence Production Lt-Gen (retd) Tanvir Tahir.

According to the defence ministry, both Pakistan and Russia stressed on continuing the momentum gained during the Moscow Conference and expressed satisfaction over the convergence of views on most international and trans-regional issues.

Khawaja Asif during the meeting appreciated Russia's overtures in enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. He added that strong ties between Pakistan and Russia would help in building stability and prosperity in the region.

Asif called the signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two countries a milestone. "Both sides will translate this relationship into tangible terms and further strengthen military to military relations," he said.

Both sides expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for the exchange of views and information on politico-military issues as well as issues related to strengthening of mutual trust and international security.

The Russian defence minister appreciated the skill and expertise of Pakistan's armed forces in fighting the war against terrorism. He further appreciated the defence production side stating that IDEAS itself signifies the leap Pakistan had taken in manufacturing defence equipment. "The world community not only praises but wants to do business with Pakistan now."

Russian dignitary meets PM

During his stay, the visiting dignitary also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif besides holding in-depth delegation level talks with Pakistani authorities.
Talking to him the prime minister said it was heartening to see that relations between Pakistan and Russian Federation have grown over the past few years. He added that Pakistan is keen to enhance its multi-dimensional relations with Moscow, including defence.

Premier Nawaz stressed upon the need to increase bilateral trade between the two countries which currently stands at $542 million and does not correspond to their trade potential.

He appreciated Russia's support to Pakistan in its quest to become full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).


Boosting defence ties: Pakistan, Russia sign landmark cooperation pact – The Express Tribune

 

[Neo]

There is keen interest from our armed forces in Mi-35, Su-35 (navy), S-300 and JV's in the development of several SAM's as well as upgrading of our existing missile arsenal.

Su-35 may not be available but SAM's and ToT will certainly be offered.

The agreement will also see easy delivery of RD-93 and upgrades as well as several russian systems for the JF-17 Block 3.

 

[prohumanity]

Ya..Paki has keen interest in MI-35,Su-35,S3000 and Jv...LOL...how many cents you have in your pocket.....pick up your begging bowl again and stand in front of White House and Obama will throw some change into your bowl...if not..run to Riyadh and give a long, pitiful cry and King Abdulla will throw some coins towards you...all this change may be make you able to buy the toilet seat of a SU-35...

 

[pmaitra]

I think India is making a big mistake by again being on the wrong side of the fence.

The US is on the decline. This is not the time to side with the US.

After the US selling lethal weapons to Pakistan for decades, if India gives away deals to the US even for inferior products, it only sends out the message that India's will only buy from those that sell to India's enemies.

I hope that Chinook deal is scrapped immediately (although I support the C-17 and AH-64D), and given to the one and only one that actually meets the criteria, Mil-26T2, and I mean the real criteria, not the criteria modified to suit the seller.

Also, drawing red lines won't work. Russia didn't draw red lines when India began buying from Russia's enemy. Russia won't listen if India draws red lines when Russia begins to sell to India's enemy. What goes around, comes around.

It is time to strengthen BRICS, and begin to cut down on importing other countries' inflation.

Control of the currency alone will bring control over the supply of goods and labour, and economic independence.

 

[sorcerer]

Pakistan Courts Both US and Russia on Defense
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pakistan for a day-long visit on Thursday. During his visit to Islamabad, Shoigu met Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the two addressed several issues related to security and defense cooperation between Russia and Pakistan. The two countries will sign an important memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation that will form the foundation of their growing defense partnership. Although Russia is a major arms exporter to Pakistan's rival India, it is looking to shore up its involvement in Pakistan amid that country's growing appetite for Russian hardware. Most recently, Pakistan concluded a deal to purchased MI-35 Hind helicopters from Russia.

According to Dawn, Russia's decision to court Pakistan as a defense customer was in part spurred by growing ties between the United States and India. Although Russia has been major military supplier for India — providing up to 75 percent of Indian military hardware needs in certain years — the United States has been steadily growing its defense partnership with India. With a government less committed to Indian ideals of non-alignment in charge in New Delhi, India has grown closer to the United States on a series of defense matters. In 2014, India became the largest foreign buyer of U.S. weapons, importing $1.9 billion in military hardware from the United States. In August, reports emerged that the U.S. had overtaken Russia as India's top arms supplier over the past three years. Sensing an opportunity on the other side of the security dilemma on the subcontinent, Russia has chosen to focus its efforts on courting Pakistan.

A factor limiting Russia-Pakistan cooperation on defense matters is Pakistan's status as a U.S. ally. Although the U.S.-Pakistan alliance has grown increasingly dysfunctional, particularly since 2011, the two countries continue to cooperate on a range of security issues. Shoigu's visit to Pakistan comes at time when Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif (no relation to the prime minister) is in the United States for a series of meetings with U.S. defense and national security officials. As the United States withdraws from Afghanistan, it values Pakistan's cooperation. The success of Pakistan's ongoing campaign — Operation Zarb-e-Azb — against militants in the country's western tribal regions, on the Afghan border, will be an important determinant of Afghanistan's security post-2014.

While in Washington, Gen. Sharif took the opportunity to clarify a statement made earlier by Pakistan's Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that Pakistan would ignore militant groups that do not "pose a threat to the state" — a statement that drew considerable criticism in the United States and political rivals in Pakistan. Gen. Sharif, serving as an ambassador for Pakistan's defense establishment, told his interlocutors in Washington that the Pakistani military will not discriminate in its campaign against militants. "Zarb-e-Azb is not just a military offensive but is a concept to defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The anti-terror campaign is not restricted to Waziristan and Khyber tribal areas but covers the whole country," he said. Gen. Sharif added that he would not allow the emergence of anything like the Islamic State in Pakistan. Sharif, who took over as Chief of Army Staff in late 2013, specializes in counter-insurgency.

Pakistan Courts Both US and Russia on Defense | The Diplomat

===========

Now that US is ceasing its operations in Pakistan, its natural for Russia to reorient itself and exert influence in the continent. It has to keep USA away from geography as much as possible.
Strategic partnership is what Russia can sell to Pakistan.

 

[pmaitra]

@sorcerer, interesting article.

India is going to have to deal with its supplier supplying to its adversaries.

India desperately needs to build things domestically, and not remain at the mercy of others. As India gains more self-reliance, its imports will decrease, and its regular suppliers will become its competitors.

At the end of the day, self reliance, in defense, and in economy, will be the foundation of India's strength.

Pakistan will play both sides against each other, and try to gain from either side. This is called taking advantage of international feuds.

 

[sorcerer]

You are butt hurt and I can imagine that. Afterall your closest ally is cosing up with your arch rival, it's got to hurt. Your wet dreams of bringing Pakistan into international isolation seems to shatter again and again.

Unlike Pakistan, India can afford to keep its options open. Dynamics of reorientation cannot be taken as WYSWYG levels. The relation is strategic in nature which means all those buying you dream of will work only when you have the money to buy.

The economic condition you are in now, will take another decade or 2 to clear if Pak could keep ISI and its many factions of terrorism and extrimism at bay (This is the wet dream)

And we already know how much influence you have left in Kabul since the Mayor Karzai has gone.

From Delhi to Kabul, Via Moscow

India may enlist Russia to provide Afghan government forces with needed weapons.

One of the many strategies that New Delhi seems to be working on to make sure Afghanistan does not fall back into the hands of Islamists is to provide its government with military aid via Moscow. Even though the Afghan police and other security institutions have received training from their Indian counterparts, New Delhi has been apprehensive about directly providing Kabul with lethal military equipment because it fears they may end up in the wrong hands, which could damage its local reputation as predominantly a provider of developmental aid.

However, India is thinking of fulfilling at least some of Kabul's wishes in order to maintain its strategic upper hand in Afghanistan, by providing military aid routed through Russia. Under the plan being considered, Moscow will provide Kabul with equipment such as helicopters, mobile bridges, trucks and possibly ammunition and certain artillery, while India foots the bill. This would not be the first suggestion that Moscow send its own military hardware to Afghanistan on behalf of a third party. Last year the U.S. was set to pay $1 billion for new Russian Mi-17 helicopters to be delivered to Afghanistan. However, the deal fell through after pressure on Washington mounted following allegations that the Russian firm manufacturing the aircraft, Rosoboronexport, was also providing weapons to Syria. The collapse of this deal was seen as a major setback for Afghan government forces.

Using Russia to provide much needed military assistance to Kabul seems to be one of the best options available to the Indian government at present. It means that no "Made in
India" weapons will surface on the ground in Afghanistan. Russia is India's largest weapons provider, making the transaction easier to orchestrate.

In the meantime, both Delhi and Moscow can join hands and constructively, under strict terms and conditions, provide the ANA and ANSF with the much needed weaponry. Without this support, and even with a minimal NATO presence, concerns will mount about the security of both Afghanistan and South Asia.

From Delhi to Kabul, Via Moscow | The Diplomat

That explains that India still have strong roles to play In Afghan , rather than your Govt playing havoc in Afghan institutions.

Ghani visited China, KSA and now Pakistan....he seems ti know his priorities.

You forgot to mention USA!!
cool, any other country other than your fraaaaaaaaaaands would be notable.

 

[sorcerer]

@sorcerer, interesting article.

India is going to have to deal with its supplier supplying to its adversaries.

India desperately needs to build things domestically, and not remain at the mercy of others. As India gains more self-reliance, its imports will decrease, and its regular suppliers will become its competitors.

At the end of the day, self reliance, in defense, and in economy, will be the foundation of India's strength.

Pakistan will play both sides against each other, and try to gain from either side. This is called taking advantage of international feuds.

Indias move is good. As a nation the Govt is committed to keep its citizens and resources safe.

In my understanding:
Russia is having problems with economy and it will take time for it to recover. Having its economy locked in oil, its gonna take a while by selling it oil reserves under par.(No matter how much oil deals you strike, you are still selling it at below par rates. Cost on extraction and operations remains same or high and the balance of profit is disturbed if the products are sold at low rates. Meaning, itrs a struggle)

India has to have a SPURT in growth to fill the many voids in its defence equipments, infrastructure and many likes. This cannot be provided by Russia alone, with the state it is in. If we wait for RUssia to reset its economy and honour our defence contracts we will be faaaaaar behind in our security implementations.
So, India is doing what it can to sustain to keep its defence edge. Very natural on part of any country. Russia knows this,USA knows this. I dont think a few defence procurements will tilt strategic relations on large scale.
India is diversifying its equipments, which is a good idea, strategic as well as technically.

Russia is selling to Afghanistan, Russia is selling to Pakistan, Russia is selling to India, Russia is selling to China, Russia is selling to Iran. well!!! I would say Russia is opening up its mil hardware market in a good way. I would say Russia is swinging psych in its favour against the western blocks, but it has a lot to do before it can catch-up.
Pakistan has a very good track record of biting the givers hands. But unlike USA a bite on Russia would be fatal for Pakistan. if ISIS escalates and Russia joins the fight against ISIS, Pakistan will be in the middle of it getting a real taste of Russian mil hardware.

"Machines don't fight wars, people do--and they use their minds." John Boyd

 

[Zebra]

Re: Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on defence cooperation

This is time for India to enter the Russian Sphere of Influence.

What will happen if India just do its opposite?

Sun will rise from west! I wonder.

Tit-for-Tat is the rule of the game. Start with Ukraine.

I don't care which way you play your game, but make sure your anti americanism won't become safe passage provider for Pakis.

In past it happened many time in India. Still people are not happy to learn from it.

On top of it Russians signs this treaty with civilian govt only.

God knows what stand pak army will take if something gone wrong in future.

 

[Zebra]

Re: Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on defence cooperation

Mod please merge this thread with this -----> http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/pakistan/65180-russia-pakistan-sign-defence-cooperation-agreement.html

Sorry for trouble.

 

[amoy]

an two-year-old harbinger, the writing on the wall for India, in a new context of Russia-West tug-of-war on the Ukraine and energy fronts
akistan: Date : 01-11-2012

Russia-Pakistan-China axis: Putin's snub to India

While exploring Pakistan's energy sector, infrastructure and trade possibilities has benefits of its own for Russia, it is the queue of nations vying to answer the Afghan question that Russia is striving to head by wooing Islamabad. Moscow is concerned about Afghanistan coming under Taliban rule once again, and the rising influence of Afghan terrorist organisations in the Central Asian states. And the odds are that, post-2014, Russia will stop cooperating with Nato troops, leaving one of these two possibilities:

1. Despite the withdrawal of American troops, the budding US-India partnership formulates the status quo in Afghanistan.

2. The Russia-Pakistan-China axis takes centre stage and takes charge of geopolitical decision-making in the region.

For (1) to be true, India will have to continue distancing itself from Russia – something it has been doing since the famous summersault after the Soviet collapse – cement itself in the US camp by toeing the US line and keep on opting for French and American arms and weaponry; and continue investing in infrastructural works in Afghanistan. Even if the whole reshuffling bid doesn't go according to plan India will still have the opportunity of flanking Pakistan from both sides by increasing its influence in Afghanistan. (1) is also dependent on the United States' "pivot" towards Asia and the Far East-which, in turn, is dependent on President Obama being re-elected as president-and how it might influence the American interest in Afghanistan.

For (2) to be true, Pakistan will have to take a leap of faith and realise that even though Russia might not be a substitute for the US, it still is by far its best bet for getting this country out of both the energy predicament and having a major say in the region again. We must realise that rarely in geopolitical reshuffles do we get like-for-like replacements; it's more of a case of reinstating equilibrium in the region, even though the individual weights of the players might vary from those that formulated the previous equilibrium.

Possibility (2) is also dependent on China converting its fiscal wherewithal into geopolitical clout, being opportunistic enough to sense the budding Russo-Pakistani bond and being the crucial catalyst to accelerate its fulfilment, and in turn becoming an integral cog in a three-pronged regional setup. Arguably, the most crucial aspect that could instigate (2) is if Pakistan finally opts for one of IP or TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipelines; and if Russia finances the opted project it would give much-needed spine to a relationship which, as things stand, is unfortunately all fluff and no matter.

Current bilateral issues aside, Putin's latest snub is arguably the offshoot of India continuing to hobnob with the US, and being oblivious to all the times Moscow rescued New Delhi with its veto in the UN. Russia has relentlessly supplied India with arms and was the only one supporting Indian nuclear material, while everyone else was striving hard to stifle their nuclear supplies. India might have short-term memory syndrome, but Moscow successfully bonding with Islamabad could give New Delhi a few haunting flashbacks.

 

[DingDong]

Re: Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on defence cooperation

What will happen if India just do its opposite?

Sun will rise from west! I wonder.



I don't care which way you play your game, but make sure your anti americanism won't become safe passage provider for Pakis.

In past it happened many time in India. Still people are not happy to learn from it.

On top of it Russians signs this treaty with civilian govt only.

God knows what stand pak army will take if something gone wrong in future.

We will only be able to solve that puzzle after first resolute step is taken. Cannot speculate.

I don't think game is that simple. US is not an angel, neither is Russia. The US has armed the PA under the disguise of "war on terror", Russia wants it's piece of pie in the Afghan game. India must draw a clear red line for the friends and the enemies entering our sphere of influence. We must do it now, enforce it gradually.

 

[sorcerer]

Does Russia needs PAK and CHINA to snub India?

The article is unidirectional.
With Russia supplying 75% of defence procurement to India Russia should have done it alone.

India still have lots of defence engagements with Russia in JVs and ToTs. It will be foolish to think its a pivot to counter the US pivot!!!

Russian move is to reach out to countries to influence its psych in the larger Asia- East concept in front of the western block. Rather than a few countries like PAK, Afghan, Iran etc depending on west , Russia is trying to balance it out with its engagements with countries in which Russia didnt have a major signature.

– cement itself in the US camp by toeing the US line and keep on opting for French and American arms and weaponry; and continue investing in infrastructural works in Afghanistan.

THe author underestimated the defence contracts India has with Russia or he has confused India with PAK who has majority of US arms and weapons.
The author forgot the fact that India has pitched in sales of RUssian weapons to Afghan troops.

is if Pakistan finally opts for one of IP or TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipelines; and if Russia finances the opted project it would give much-needed spine to a relationship which, as things stand, is unfortunately all fluff and no matter.

Pakistan has agreed to TAPI and Russia is Joining in. I suppose there is a joint stting that happened this week over TAPI from representatives of all countries.
With the rampant terrorism, it will create a threat to TAPI Project and its infrastructure. So every country which is naturally a part of it will form alliance to protect the Project. India will work with and through Afghanistan and Russia on this to provide its share of security to the TAPI project.



Author does not know that with such rivalry RUSSIA and USA has been doing good business in nuclear technology.

Russia has been supplying US nuclear power plants with fuel for a dumping price since 1995.
Russia and the United States are nearing the completion of one of the most unusual joint programs. The agreement on the processing of uranium for nuclear power plants for deliveries to the U.S. was fulfilled 90 percent. The U.S. recycled Russian uranium suitable for nuclear weapons and secured energy supply of every tenth house using recycled Soviet uranium

Russia delivers uranium to US nuclear power plants - English pravda.ru


The dynamics of country country relations are way beyond what is shown. HOw naive to think otherwise!

 

[sorcerer]

Self delete - Duplicate post

 

[Zebra]

Re: Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on defence cooperation

We will only be able to solve that puzzle after first resolute step is taken. Cannot speculate.

I don't think game is that simple. US is not an angel, neither is Russia. The US has armed the PA under the disguise of "war on terror", Russia wants it's piece of pie in the Afghan game. India must draw a clear red line for the friends and the enemies entering our sphere of influence. We must do it now, enforce it gradually.

Buddy, India already drew a red line for Mi-35 case. We all saw what happened to it.

My concerns are we should maintain safe distance from both of them, Russia and US.

If India go towards Russia then automatically pak army will get easy access to US army.

At this stage only pak govt is on board with Russia and who doesn't have actual power in Pakistan.

Pakis are in great trouble. Our anti americanism, helped them enough in past.

Take care this time they won't get benefit because of our mistakes.

It will be much troubled time in Afghanistan game in future.

Specially after spending much more money and men, at the end they both didn't get anything out of it.

Better wait and watch for the time being. Later we can take our stand, which ever way it helps us the most.

 

[DingDong]

Re: Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on defence cooperation

Buddy, India already drew a red line for Mi-35 case. We all saw what happened to it.

My concerns are we should maintain safe distance from both of them, Russia and US.

If India go towards Russia then automatically pak army will get easy access to US army.

At this stage only pak govt is on board with Russia and who doesn't have actual power in Pakistan.

Pakis are in great trouble. Our anti americanism, helped them enough in past.

Take care this time they won't get benefit because of our mistakes.

It will be much troubled time in Afghanistan game in future.

Specially after spending much more money and men, at the end they both didn't get anything out of it.

Better wait and watch for the time being. Later we can take our stand, which ever way it helps us the most.

I agree with you that we must maintain safe distance from both US and Russia. But I disagree on the point that anti-Americanism has become a policy of the Indian establishment. We know how soon the US switches gear from "friendly relation" to "blackmail".

India can only bank on herself and no other nation.

 

[sgarg]

Kuddos to Pakistani think tank for quietly achieving cordial relations with all three major world powers. She has maintained her regional and strategic importance and despite internal political turmoil, the foreign relations have
only grown stronger.

There's a Pakistan friendly regime in Kabul, Russia and China are keen to expand their political and economic role with both countries, specially under the SCO and USA is seeking a safe exit from Kabul with the assistance of Pakistan.

We are in a very comfortable position indeed.

Ok so your foreign policy is taken care of. Now ask your PM to provide education and health services to people. Let us see if there is any movement there.

 

[sgarg]

Re: Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on defence cooperation

I agree with you that we must maintain safe distance from both US and Russia. But I disagree on the point that anti-Americanism has become a policy of the Indian establishment. We know how soon the US switches gear from "friendly relation" to "blackmail".

India can only bank on herself and no other nation.

I find it funny how soon Indians start feeling threatened. Please stop. This security cooperation agreement does not mean anything to India. We wish Pakistani goodluck with it.

We need to see natural gas pipelines arrive from central Asia. That is beneficial to us. So whatever Russia is doing is in our favour.

 

[Dovah]

You are butt hurt and I can imagine that. Afterall your closest ally is cosing up with your arch rival, it's got to hurt. Your wet dreams of bringing Pakistan into international isolation seems to shatter again and again.

And we already know how much influence you have left in Kabul since the Mayor Karzai has gone.

Ghani visited China, KSA and now Pakistan....he seems ti know his priorities.

Okay if your are basing your arguments on visit Paradigm. Then Chinese prepmier skipped Pakistan for India. Trouble in paradise?

 

[sgarg]

We want Pakistan to become a player in the regional integration. It is actually Pakistan that is blocking trade routes from India to central Asia. Any Pakistani here should force his own government to change.

The opening of trade routes will bring a lot of economic benefits to people of Pakistan.

The good from India can take a land route through Pakistan and Afghanistan to markets in central Asia and beyond, by road. This will also provide revenue stream to government of Afghanistan which may help in stabilizing that country.

The main thing is money. The money should be kept flowing.