India-US Trade Deal: Pakistan witnessed a devastating attack on a Shia mosque located in its capital, Islamabad, on Friday, leaving at least 31 dead and over 160 injured. Several world leaders expressed their condolences to the bereaved families and condemned the attack, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Calling the suicide bombing ‘barbaric’, Putin offered support to Pakistan in combating terrorism.

Sending a message to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Putin expressed condolences and solidarity with the victim and the nation. “The murder of people during a religious ceremony is further evidence of the barbaric, inhumane nature of terrorism,” he said in his message.

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Urging his ‘sincere sympathy and support’ to be passed on to the kin of the dead and wishing ‘speedy recovery’ to the injured, Putin signalled his interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan as he offered support on security and counterterrorism.

The suicide bombing attack on a Pakistani mosque also sparked fresh diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan as its Defence Minister claimed foreign involvement, which was rejected and rubbished by India.

Has India-US Trade Deal Pushed Russia Towards Pakistan

After a brief tension between India and the US over additional tariffs, the countries have restructured their ties by agreeing on a trade deal, opening a strategic door for Russia and Pakistan for realignment. As New Delhi formalises a trade deal with the US, committing 500 billion dollar import and moving away from Russian crude, Russia seems to be moving towards Islamabad to ensure an ally in South Asia.

Here’s Why Moscow Is Moving Towards Pakistan

After US President Donald Trump signed an executive order affirming that India will not buy Russian crude, India is facing the reinforcement of additional tariffs if it resumes large-scale Russian oil purchases. Hence, Moscow must find new markets, and Pakistan has already signed some MoUs and is testing long-term frameworks for Russian crude and LNG.

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Moscow can fill the void created after India and the US decided to work in AI defence together. And of course, Russia nudging towards Pakistan is a message for New Delhi that it can find a strategic alternative in the region.

 


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