Moscow Keen to Bolster Ties with Islamabad via SCO, Says Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Russia’s strong desire to enhance its relationship with Pakistan, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism efforts through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This statement was released by the Foreign Office on Tuesday.

According to the FO, Lavrov made these comments during a meeting held on Tuesday with Tariq Fatemi, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Foreign Affairs, who is currently in Russia for an official visit.

Fatemi relayed greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and underscored Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening bilateral cooperation in crucial sectors, including energy, trade, and regional connectivity.

Additionally, he briefed the meeting on the situation in South Asia, emphasizing Pakistan’s worries regarding potential regional escalation. He specifically mentioned the implications of India’s threat to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty by declaring it in so-called “abeyance.”

The proposed suspension of the IWT, which the World Bank brokered in 1960, was among several measures India announced against Pakistan following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 tourists.

Without providing evidence, New Delhi held Pakistan responsible for the attack and initiated missile strikes on Pakistani cities. This led to significant military clashes, the worst in approximately three decades, before both nations agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.

Pakistan responded with “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” following what it claimed were unprovoked missile and drone attacks by India targeting Pakistani civilians and military locations.

Pakistan claimed to have downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, in addition to numerous drones. After roughly 87 hours, the conflict concluded on May 10, with a ceasefire facilitated by the United States.

According to ISPR, the recent military conflict resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals, including 13 members of the armed forces and 40 civilians, due to Indian strikes.

During the meeting, Lavrov conveyed satisfaction with the continued advancements in bilateral cooperation. He highlighted current joint projects, such as the development of new steel mills and essential infrastructure projects.

Furthermore, he reiterated Russia’s support for normalizing relations between Pakistan and India, noting the potential for such normalization to positively influence regional stability.

Before the meeting concluded, Fatemi handed over a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Russian President Vladimir Putin.