'Russia attaches great importance to anti-terror cooperation with Pakistan'

E-Paper | October 30, 2026

'Russia attaches great importance to anti-terror cooperation with Pakistan'

Dawn.com Published February 11, 2016

MOSCOW: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that Russia attaches great importance to counter-terrorist cooperation with Pakistan as a key player in the field, according to a report published on the Sputnik website.

"Pakistan is one of the key countries in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, Russia, of course attaches great importance to cooperation with Pakistan," Peskov told reporters.

Earlier in January this year, the Russian Army's Commander-in-Chief Oleg Salyukov had announced that Russian ground forces will hold its first ever military exercises with Pakistan in the coming year

A Russian delegation had also visited Pakistan last month to discuss the sale of military hardware and agreement to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.

Read: Pak-Russia talks on delivery of Su-35, Mi-35s underway: Russian Deputy FM

Pakistan and Russia are in talks about the delivery of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and the two countries have also previously agreed upon delivery of four Mi-35M helicopters, which followed a historic change in Russian policy towards Pakistan.

Russia and Pakistan have lately been working on enhancing defence cooperation and are believed to have already covered a lot of ground. Exchange of visits by military commanders in recent years is an indication of progress achieved in this regard.

Russia had lifted its embargo on arms supplies to Pakistan in June 2014 and signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan to strengthen military-to-military relations in November 2014.

India’s decision to enter into tighter embrace with the US had prompted Russia to rethink its defence relationship with Pakistan.

Also read: Russian team holds talks on sale of military hardware

Pakistan

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Faisal

Feb 11, 2016 01:25pm

Thankyou PM for making it possible.

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Abdul Hameed

Feb 11, 2016 01:26pm

Pakistan, China and Russia can be the future emerging alliance. Pakistan has to keep its options open.

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Gourishankar

Feb 11, 2016 01:29pm

Islamabad-Moscow relations began a purportedly fateful choice in 1949. That year, Liaquat Ali Khan, was invited by Moscow for a state visit, which he promptly accepted. However, upon receiving an invitation from Washington, Liaquat cancelled the Moscow visit, going to Washington instead, beginning what would become an on-again, off-again relationship between Pakistan and the United States.

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natey

Feb 11, 2016 01:32pm

su-35 is very modern jet...same class as typhoon n rafaele...if can get these then pak air force have very good attacking power....plus the s-400 heat seeking missiles is the best in world..even america cannot make like them..

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pervez

Feb 11, 2016 01:35pm

Buy nothing without tech transfer. Ultimately whether Russia China or usa we have to stand on our feet. Especially where defence is cenocerned

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gary

Feb 11, 2016 01:48pm

@pervez you are asking for the moon. The ground reality is very different.

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Zidane

Feb 11, 2016 02:10pm

Now Russia inviting us to join Syrian war. Now where they are who against to join Saudi led coalition. Now why they are not committing against it. Syrian war actually a proxy war between Big powers. It will be beneficial for Pakistan to not join this war. It fired sectarianism in Pakistan. Pakistan Can't bear another disaster which we have been facing since 9/11.

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Saeed Masood

Feb 11, 2016 02:38pm

Very good and thoughtful statement from Russia. Pakistan must keep itself neutral with all its neighbouring countries, and do not involve in anything the world over except peace ... Russian can become an important partner to fight terrorism...in addition to selling the hardware to Pakistan Russia should increase its civil trade with us also...

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Latif M

Feb 11, 2016 02:41pm

I don't know if I can agree with the closing assumption of the author, maybe or not Russia is drawn by India's close stance to the US, however, India still has the same good relations with Russia. It has to do more with the sanctions on Russia, Russia must find other means of export. Some countries bases their national relations on national interests others use pure emotional tactics. The latter will suffer due to by polar world, friend one day and enemy next or vis-versa. At the end of the day there isn't such thing as iron or all weather friends.

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Zak

Feb 11, 2016 02:49pm

Show you attach great importance to relationship with Pakistan by delivering the promised Su-35's and S500's soon.

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crazy

Feb 11, 2016 02:52pm

Its only about the game of interests. Earlier it was Pakistan-US vs India-Russia, but now the balance is reversing, currently the reverse process is in transition stage; Pakistan-Russia-India vs India-US-pakistan. And in the coming future it will become Pakistan-Russia vs India-US.

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Nomi

Feb 11, 2016 02:53pm

Pakistan should keep balance approach towards all emerging situations, prima facie its Russian's blackmail to Indians, Russians are indirectly warning Indians to behave, or else they will use Pakistan card. never less, Pakistan & India shall me ever lasting peace, and instead use all those billions on educating their masses and eradicate poverty, the sooner the better.

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rahat

Feb 11, 2016 03:00pm

It's good to see that Pakistn-Russia relations are improving. Cooperation between these two should be enhanced to cover not only military but also trade and economics.

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Gustaakh

Feb 11, 2016 03:21pm

Keep it up. Russia and China are far more reliable allies.

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ali

Feb 11, 2016 03:22pm

Time to ally ourselves with Russia; as India is allying with US. China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran can form a defense against Nato

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kam

Feb 11, 2016 03:25pm

Pakistan must give Russia a warm water port for them to develop of use which will benefits Pakistan hugely.

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Ehsan

Feb 11, 2016 03:27pm

eagerly waiting for Su-35

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zak

Feb 11, 2016 03:27pm

@Gourishankar Live in the present to better the future. Dont be the usual Indian living in the past. India betrayed Russia and sided with US, so Russia is realigning its friendship and allies. Russia saw how Pakistan has been a very good ally of China throughout, despite US trying to break it. Russia wants friends like those.

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zak

Feb 11, 2016 03:29pm

Now thats a budding friendship I like. Well done Pakistan. Russia also wants to be part of CPEC. To Pakistan's west, a new economic world is opening up.

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zak

Feb 11, 2016 03:31pm

'Pakistan and Russia are in talks about the delivery of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and the two countries have also previously agreed upon delivery of four Mi-35M helicopters, which followed a historic change in Russian policy towards Pakistan.' wow, PAF will have a lethal arsenal in its air armory. Game, set and match.

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Yawar KazmiPTI

Feb 11, 2016 03:48pm

Thanks to ´Gen. Raheel and Army for making it possible, only honourable and genuine leaders like Gen Raheel and mran Khan PTI know how to safeguard national interest while dealing with foreign countries.

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Ailly

Feb 11, 2016 04:07pm

this problem of "terrorism" can never be solved unless our govts stop giving false statements about each and every issue. out head of state is meeting with all sorts of people regarding terrorism without addressing the real issue... where Army had already showed their anger about govt's inability to proceed forward in right spirit of NAP. the meeting are good for media news but down the lane, nothing really happening except meetings, statements and captivating statements by Govt and LEA in unison....

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Hasan Cheema

Feb 11, 2016 04:09pm

@Yawar KazmiPTI What Imran Khan has to do with this. you should thank Mr. Prime Minister

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Gulfraz

Feb 11, 2016 04:12pm

Ultimately, we are all neighbours and are lucky to have enough countries between us to make world powers think twice..if they can stick together, why shouldn't we in our neighbourhood? China, Pakistan, India, Iran, Russia and turkey have powerful military power and the biggest economies, it's our folly we stay behind..even with our differences in politics, it's about time we had a miniature union of friendship in our own yard. i say well done and hope all countries around can find common ground to stick together.

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Hellboy

Feb 11, 2016 04:17pm

Don't ever think Russia will export su 35 to specifically to Pakistan without consultation with India or annoying India.India has around 100 bn $ defence contract with India in coming decade only from fifth gen fighter jets to heavy helicopter to missile to civil neclear cooperation. Also has manned MARS Mission cooperation with India.

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pervez

Feb 11, 2016 04:21pm

@gary we now make warplanes. Tanks. APC's, ammo, cruise missiles and I could go on. We need reliable and trustable partners. Otherwise its a waste of time money and effort.

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M.M.Sherazi

Feb 11, 2016 04:23pm

We have to be careful for not being bitten by the wounded tiger.

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Hasan

Feb 11, 2016 04:26pm

Awesome news. However, there are two potential benefits of even greater consequence than the Su-35s and/or Hind helis. Firstly, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, into which Pakistan was recently inducted as a full member very recently. Russia and China are the two key sponsors of this outfit, and it's imperative that Pakistan use its increasing leverage to isolate hindustan, which is also unfortunately a member. Secondly, these two nations have a very functional friendship with Iran, and Pakistan should use these links to foster closer relations with our western neighbour and secure that border once and for all. Ultimately, this is the only route out of acquiescing to the Gulf monarchies and the US time after time. Hasan

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shoaib

Feb 11, 2016 04:27pm

@zidane why would russia want pak's support in syria when it is itself there? russia is not KSA that would depend on others.

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Karachitee

Feb 11, 2016 04:27pm

@natey Once we have these state of art machines in our fleet then what we will do with these machines, just curious.

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SHAHID MAHMOOD

Feb 11, 2016 04:42pm

@zak Su35 would be a potent weapon for PAKISTAN AIR FORCE. But they are required ASAP to fight terror. The should be sueful for precision bombing against the terriosts runing around in the moutains.

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Jai

Feb 11, 2016 04:46pm

Has the Hind choppers been delivered?

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Skeptic

Feb 11, 2016 04:46pm

Thanks to critical Russian Military support, Syrian Army now has an upper hand against all the opposition forces, supported by the U.S. Brits, French, Saudis and Turkey. Even IS is being defeated in Syria.

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sameen bawla

Feb 11, 2016 04:51pm

Please initiate some effort towards making our own weapons and equipment. If we can develop nuclear technology, then there is no doubt we can also make our own helicopters, fighter jets, radar systems etc. You cannot win a war if you are dependent on others for supplying you arms and ammunition. Our 70 year history is the witness. Just for the sake of making some commission, you cannot compromise the national security. Wake up before its too late!!

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flying star

Feb 11, 2016 05:01pm

Pakistan,China,Russia,must to make alliance

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akram

Feb 11, 2016 05:20pm

@Zak importance will be attached if they are at least partially built in Pakistan.

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Iftikhar Husain

Feb 11, 2016 05:22pm

It is a changing world east is becoming more important looking this century is with China Pakistan Russia but it is not going to be an easy ride.We have to be carefull not to come into trap of the big powers it is better to be neutral.

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msadiq

Feb 11, 2016 05:24pm

@Yawar KazmiPTI I like your logic and COURAGE. Now come on ground mate !

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Shahzad S Iqbal

Feb 11, 2016 05:26pm

Russia has top class engineering & mathematics talent and we should bring Russian faculty in our universities for these areas. Pakistan needs to increase its competitiveness through acquisition of skills whereas our current focus is only on military equipment. We must NOT allow defence needs to determine our relationship with Russia and instead should aim to acquire what can build our country's long term economic ability

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Feb 11, 2016 05:27pm

@crazy When will it be India Pak versus the world ?

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Divergence

Feb 11, 2016 05:35pm

Whether you like it or not, foreign relations will be going to very different in the future.

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Abhijit

Feb 11, 2016 06:09pm

@Nomi You are absolutely right.

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Mehtab

Feb 11, 2016 06:28pm

Russia and china can be our reliable friends.

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Azhar Malik

Feb 11, 2016 06:30pm

@Gustaakh Reliability of a country depends on the national interest of that country which is always suprem in the the international relations. Reliability is circumstantially based. Russian stopped the supply of arms and ammunitions to Egypt and Syria right in the middle of their 1973 war with Israel and wanted payment first. It was Saudi Arabia which made the payment.

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Momtaz

Feb 11, 2016 06:51pm

@natey will Russia give the s-400 missiles system to Pakistan, they delivered the s-300 system to Syria after 20 years????

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Ghaznavi

Feb 11, 2016 06:57pm

We must look beyond toys like SU-35. We should engage Russians towards helping us in establishing a solid Industrial base. Today SU-35 may be the best plane but in a decade it is bound to be obsolete. The key is to go for Industrialization and not weaponization.

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Sunil

Feb 11, 2016 06:58pm

@crazy Still India is with Russia, as well with United States. India is getting S-400's, SU-35, and United States (Boeing) will invest in India to build fighter jets.

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Sunil

Feb 11, 2016 07:03pm

@ali India is allying with every country, to build its economy first, then defense, will remain neutral or stay away to unnecessary wars.

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Cyrus

Feb 11, 2016 07:05pm

@Abdul Hameed ..... .... Pakistan should keep it's options open.

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Abbas

Feb 11, 2016 07:09pm

@Abdul Hameed How can one deny Iran and India out of this picture!!!!

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Cyrus

Feb 11, 2016 07:09pm

@pervez .... The best tech transfer is the F-16 fighter. It would allow Pakistan's engineers to design better ergonomic and avionic cockpits for it's own fighter production.

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Abbas

Feb 11, 2016 07:13pm

At this moment only help Russian wants from Pakistan is not to drag itself upon request of US allies and friends Turkey and Saudi Arabia to send troops in Syria to Kill Bashar Al Asad just like they did with Saddam and Qaddafi as Russia has already started taking care of ISIS which US was developing for the last 4 years.

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Cyrus

Feb 11, 2016 07:20pm

@Zak .... Russia needs money not influence.

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Cyrus

Feb 11, 2016 07:23pm

@crazy .... If it becomes India - USA it will be because of economic ties not military ties. Money is the tie that binds, and India is a billion person market place for American goods.

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Dr. Farooq Khan

Feb 11, 2016 07:23pm

Dear India! do you think, we should both fight so that these countries could sell their weapons?

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Cyrus

Feb 11, 2016 07:42pm

@zak .... People have friends. Governments don't have friends.

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Chacha Jee

Feb 11, 2016 10:06pm

The whole world wants anti terrorism cooperation with Pakistan. Pakistan is in a driving seat and can and pick and choose.

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Pakistani

Feb 12, 2016 12:24am

Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran. This alliance needs to be at the top of Pakistan's list. Period. It is not about being opportunist or anything nefarious. It is infact simply the right thing to do. These countries represent principled stance and able leadership in how they have conducted their own affairs as well as how they have respected international law and how they have refused to be a "thaali ka baingan". All our alliances should be based on principles of justice. Whosoever is doing the right thing; we should be out to try to make friends with them.

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amin

Feb 12, 2016 01:28am

What we want from Russia are 2 Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers

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rama

Feb 12, 2016 06:40am

@SHAHID MAHMOOD People don't know what can be done with the fighter like Su - 35. These aircraft are not meant for fighting the terrorist in the mountains.

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Alex

Feb 13, 2016 09:17am

Russia knows very well that if Pakistan gets involved in the middle east and specially Syria then it is bye, bye Russia. Guess who defeated Russia in Afghanistan? It was Pakistan not US or anyone else. So Russia is trying to keep Pakistan neutral.

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Zafar Rao

Feb 13, 2016 01:58pm

1). Cooperation between North and South Asia will surely reshape the world politics. 2). Peter's Dream was blocked by Great Game by converting Afghanistan as an effective bulwark to cut off traditional socio economic ties between North and South Asia. 3). Pakistan and India have been used as second and third tiers of blockade against North South cooperation. 4). The new world is demanding cooperation among all stake holders for better future of human beings on planet Earth.

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