The global community, for many decades in the past, remained divided between the capitalist and socialist blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union respectively. Pakistan, in the early years of its independence, became part of the American bloc rather than pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy. As a result, its relations with the Soviet Union could not develop on friendly terms. In contrast, India joined the Non-Aligned Movement and successfully maintained positive relations with both superpowers.

However, as time unfolded, global dynamics gradually changed. Along with exemplary friendly and brotherly ties with China, Pakistan adopted a strategy to strengthen relations with Russia as well. Consequently, in April 2007, the Russian Prime Minister visited Pakistan — marking the first-ever visit by any Russian head of state to the country. Later, in 2011, President Asif Ali Zardari visited Russia and invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Pakistan. Although President Putin accepted the invitation, his visit in October 2012 was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. Nevertheless, since then, relations between the two countries have continuously improved and stabilized.

During the recent Pakistan-India conflict, Pakistan’s exceptional defense capabilities and successful political strategy elevated its image and prestige on the global stage, earning appreciation at multiple international platforms. The latest manifestation of this progress was observed during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin drew particular attention.

According to reports, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal General Asim Munir were also present, further underscoring the significance of the meeting. During the discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s desire for excellent relations with Russia, stating that Pakistan had no issues with Russia’s ties with India. President Putin, in turn, voiced his wish to further enhance bilateral relations and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Russia in November.

As per the official statement released after the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the expansion of cooperation over the past year and noted that mutual relations are built on trust, respect, and warmth. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Pakistan Steel Mills flagship project as an enduring symbol of Pak-Russia friendship. The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, investment, defense, artificial intelligence, education, and culture.

Both sides welcomed the growing convergence of viewpoints on various international forums and agreed to further reinforce existing institutional mechanisms. The joint statement truly reflects Pakistan’s current balanced and successful foreign policy.

In the past, Pakistan lost significant opportunities for development by aligning itself exclusively with one global power and serving its strategic interests. Therefore, it is essential now to pursue a non-aligned, pragmatic foreign policy and establish cordial relations with all nations based on national interests. This approach should extend across all sectors — including economy, trade, education, science, and technology — to ensure Pakistan’s uninterrupted progress toward peace, stability, and prosperity.