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The military cooperation agreement signed this week between Pakistan and Russia will allow Moscow to strengthen its arms exports in the region.
The agreement comes months after Russia was demoted to second place by the US as India’s largest weapons supplier. Since losing out on a number of helicopter contracts in India, Russia in June lifted its embargo on arms supplies to Pakistan and is expected to nab a contract to supply 35 MI-35 helicopters. A move that has already brought backlash from the Indian government, expressing its concern over any possible helicopter deal.
“Both sides will translate this relationship in tangible terms and further strengthen military-to-military relations,” said Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif without elaborating on the agreement.
Pakistan has traditionally sourced its weapons and aircraft from China, which has only made selective investments in the country. The pact with Russia will give Pakistan access to direct weapons sales without solely relying on China.
Russia-Pakistan Defense Pact To Open New Export Market For Moscow
The agreement comes months after Russia was demoted to second place by the US as India’s largest weapons supplier. Since losing out on a number of helicopter contracts in India, Russia in June lifted its embargo on arms supplies to Pakistan and is expected to nab a contract to supply 35 MI-35 helicopters. A move that has already brought backlash from the Indian government, expressing its concern over any possible helicopter deal.
“Both sides will translate this relationship in tangible terms and further strengthen military-to-military relations,” said Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif without elaborating on the agreement.
Pakistan has traditionally sourced its weapons and aircraft from China, which has only made selective investments in the country. The pact with Russia will give Pakistan access to direct weapons sales without solely relying on China.
Russia-Pakistan Defense Pact To Open New Export Market For Moscow