Lately, a lot of discussions about Pak-China, Pak-Russia and Pak-Turkey relationship have been derailed by Indian members of PDF, for example, in case of Pak-Russia relationship, by citing that Pakistan hasn't got the money to persuade Russia to sell it high-end military goodies like the Su-35.
I am wondering, is it money that has made Russia approach Pakistan (and Pakistan reciprocating) and offer to re-write and strengthen the relationship, OR, is it related to Russia's medium and long-terms plans in the region and beyond. If earlier, then Russia really doesn't need Pakistan at all and there was no point in Russia opening up those tightly-shut windows and doors towards Pakistan, as it did recently. If the later, then it has nothing to do with financial gains out of military sales, but has much much more to do with forming a strong group/block in the region, starting from Russia right upto Europe's entry gate, Turkey.
I am of the view that all this is a part of a much larger and grander plan and Pakistan, with it's military prowess, nuclear capability and strategic geographical location, offers to be a quintessential ally for both Russia's and China's future strategic plans in the region. Iran also is an indispensable variable in this equation and as important as Pakistan for Russia and China. Short-term monetary gains arising from military sales transactions is not the goal of either China or Russia, but forming a solid eastern block in the region which is capable of countering any US-led NATO offensive in the region, is. Once the later is achieved, the monetary gains to reap in the medium to long term will be exponentially higher than short term gains.