Pakistan and Russia hold first bilateral security talks in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Russia this week conducted the inaugural session of bilateral consultations on “security issues” in Asia, signalling a growing strategic dialogue between the two nations amid shifting regional alliances.

The talks were held in Islamabad between Aleksei Ovchinnikov, director-general for Asia and Pacific cooperation at the Russian Foreign Ministry, and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, who also serves as the Foreign Office spokesperson. Meetings also involved Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Siddiqui and DG Institute of Strategic Studies, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood.

According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, both sides exchanged views on the current security situation in the Asia-Pacific region, discussed potential areas of collaboration, and explored challenges linked to various regional alliances. The Foreign Office confirmed that both nations agreed to make this dialogue an annual event. “Pakistan greatly values dialogue and diplomacy and remains committed to pursuing cooperative pathways that promote peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the statement said.

Pakistan and Russia held the inaugural consultations on Security Issues in Asia in Islamabad. Mr. Aleksei Ovchinnikov, DG for Asia & Pacific Cooperation (Russia MFA), met Amb. Tahir Andrabi, Additional Foreign Secretary (ACDIS) & Spokesperson, for substantive exchanges on… pic.twitter.com/ddgSmPtitP

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 14, 2025

The development comes as India deepens ties with the United States-led QUAD alliance, which includes Japan and Australia and is seen as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific. Russia, meanwhile, continues to strengthen alliances with China, Iran, North Korea, and several African nations amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Druzhba-VIII: Pakistan and Russia stage joint counter-terror drills

Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War adversaries, have gradually expanded cooperation in political, economic, trade, and defence sectors. In September, both countries conducted a joint military exercise focusing on drone warfare, reflecting rising security concerns after militants in Pakistan reportedly began using commercial drones against security forces in the northwest. This exercise followed a brief four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which involved drones, fighter jets, and artillery, resulting in nearly 70 casualties.