RUSSIA’S INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY: GRAND OBJECTIVES AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN

Abstract

The shift in the global balance of power from the Euro-Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific region is a geopolitical phenomenon and it has prompted Russia to adapt its foreign policy and augment its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This paper examines Russia's evolving grand strategy in the Indo-Pacific, which is characterized by strengthened military collaboration with China, sustained engagement with India, and an intensified focus on maritime routes through the Pacific and Arctic. The paper argues that Russia's position in the Indo-Pacific is not merely reactive, but constitutes a strategic element of its multi-polar vision of a global order, aimed at countering U.S. dominance and diversifying its strategic partnerships in the region. In Pakistan, this scenario presents significant and complex challenges. While Islamabad seeks to enhance defense and energy cooperation with Moscow, it must also carefully navigate its position amidst India-Russia relations, China's regional ambitions, and the growing presence of mini-lateral groups, such as the QUAD. This study examines the strategic options available to Pakistan by analyzing military partnerships, economic connections, and diplomatic alignments. It provides policy recommendations designed to bolster Pakistan's influence and resilience in a geopolitically challenging Asia-Pacific environment.