In a surprise move, Russia has sent its troops to Pakistan to participate in the joint military exercise ‘Druzbha 2016’. This is being seen as a big blow to India’s diplomatic efforts following the Uri attacks, especially because earlier reports had suggested that Russia had decided to cancel the drills.
Lt General Asim Bajwa, director general, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan, shared the news via Twitter, “A contingent of Russian ground forces arrived Pak for 1st ever Pak- Russian joint exercise (2 weeks) from 24 Sep to 10 Oct 2016.”
While India’s relations with Russia have been steady for the past few decades, this decision of Russia is being seen as a tit-for-tat move after Narendra Modi decided to take his relationship with the US to the next level, meeting Obama seven times in less than two years.
Lt General Asim Bajwa, director general, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan, shared the news via Twitter, “A contingent of Russian ground forces arrived Pak for 1st ever Pak- Russian joint exercise (2 weeks) from 24 Sep to 10 Oct 2016.”
While India’s relations with Russia have been steady for the past few decades, this decision of Russia is being seen as a tit-for-tat move after Narendra Modi decided to take his relationship with the US to the next level, meeting Obama seven times in less than two years.
The Military Exercise will take place at an unknown location in PoK, as per the reports, from September 24 to October 10. It must be noted that Russia had been one of the most vocal voices after the Uri attacks, even naming Pakistan in connection with the cowardly act. Vikas Swarup, the Indian MEA spokesperson, had shared this message from Russia following the Uri attacks:
“…In view of the attack in the Indian air base at Pathankot in January this year, we note with concern the resurgence of terrorist attacks near Line of control. It is alarming, and according to New Delhi, the attack on military unit near the town of Uri was committed from the territory of Pakistan.”
This change in Russia’s policy with regards to Pakistan will be of great consequence for South-East Asia, which is facing a new form of state-sponsored terrorism from the Pakistani state. It will be interesting to see India’s response to the joint military exercise as the story is still developing.
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