Russia and Pakistan kick off new military relations

Russian troops at an undisclosed Pak military base. Pic/AFP

Russian troops at an undisclosed Pak military base. Pic/AFP

Islamabad: A mechanised infantry unit of the Russian military yesterday arrived in Pakistan to participate in the first-ever joint military drills dubbed 'Friendship-2016' starting from today. It is being seen as proof of growing military ties between the two former Cold War rivals and Pakistan's decision to broaden its foreign policy options as its relations with the US deteriorate further.

About 200 troops from the two countries will take part in the two-week long military drills. "A contingent of Russian ground forces arrived in Pakistan for first ever Pak-Russian joint exercise from September 24 to October 10," army spokesman Lt-Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted, along with some photographs of the Russian and Pakistan troops.

A statement by Russia's Southern Military Command said the drills will involve over 70 servicemen, and also officers from the headquarters' staff. The two militaries will share their experience and employ teamwork in fighting in mountainous areas, particularly destroying illegal armed groups, it said.

"The joint military drills are aimed at bolstering and building up military cooperation between the two countries," it said ahead of the opening ceremony today in Rattu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan's relations with the US were soured recently when US lawmakers blocked funds for the sale of eight Lockheed Martin Corporation's F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan. Pakistan decided to look at alternative sources to purchase the aircraft including from Jordan. Islamabad is eager to improve its ties with Moscow to diversify its options in the event of any stalemate with Washington.

200
Number of troops scheduled to be part of the drills