Whereas American and Indian interests converge in the region, Pakistan has established strong relations with China, and also improving its ties with Russia. It appears that the world is chanign from unipolar to multipolar one. While India claims to be a victim of terror, in essence India fuels it against its neighbours and even in other regions of the world. India has been reported by international press about its involvement with ISIS and terrorist outfits in Afghanistan. In 2015, International Business Times unearthed that four men with links with ISIS were deported from UAE and later detained by Indian Intelligence agencies. They were accused of recruiting fighters from Gulf countries. India’s NSA Ajit Doval visited Iraq and Syria numerous times to bring ISIS franchise in Afghanistan/IOK and partially succeeded. India is known to have waged a proxy war in Sri Lanka for 26 years by supporting LTTE.
Indian consulates in Afghanistan are known to be supporting terror acts in Pakistan through TTP and other proxies. It is in this backdrop that Pakistan and China are trying to get Indian Nationals on UN Terrorists list. Pakistan and China joined hands to get declared 5 Indian nationals (who were part of ISIS) as terrorists recognized by UN, as it is enough evidence of India as a state that sponsors terrorism. Serving Indian Navy Commander Jhadav is in Pakistani custody and has revealed how his network was being used to spread terror in Baluchistan and Karachi. India has been actively engaged in coercion in domestic politics of Maldives. India also coerced and stopped medical supplies to pressurize Nepali government to change her constitution. Ajit Doval is on record having stated that they will fight Pakistan to the last Afghan national, defining India’s stated policy towards sponsoring and supporting terrorism.
Indian policy of using ISIS franchise in Afghanistan and IOK failed only after Russia and Turkey used decisive force against ISIS exposing Western plans to expand ISIS to other regions.
From foes of cold war to friends of today, both Russia and Pakistan have come a long way to mend fences and have cordial relations. The new realities of the region and world are changing, and both countries have realized the futuristic challenges, as world is shifting from unipolar to multipolar scenario, and all states are choosing new allies. Pakistan and Russia have also agreed to bury the past and have entered in to a mutually beneficial relationship which is soon to set tone for regional geo-politics too. With India tilting towards US and joining her camp against Chinese, it is but natural for Pakistan to revamp its diplomatic priorities.
Russia is emerging power of the world; and being in the region it can play a more effective role in regional peace. Russian strong 64 member delegation recently visited Pakistan to discuss various investment initiatives. Russians have shown interest in Pakistan Steel Mills, Aviation industry and energy sectors. Russian investment in the range of $9 Billion also indicates the improved security situation, rising economy, new trade policies and emerging status of Pakistan in the region. Russian involvement in Pakistan also shall provide a boost to CPEC related projects. With huge investments promised by Saudis, Turks, Malaysians, Russians and China, Pakistan is soon to recover from its economic woes and is the new destination for investment. With Russia and Pakistan on one page, the combo shall be playing a more assertive role in geo-politics of the region.