Hidden motives as Pakistan courts Russia's Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Sept (AFP)

• Pakistan seeks energy deals and refinery upgrades in intensified Russia outreach.
• Pakistan condemned attack on Putin's residence, showing solidarity with Russia
• Russia's India ties and strategic interests may limit cooperation.

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After spending months repairing ties with US for the better part of 2025, Pakistan is now  intensifying outreach to an unlikely partner — Russia.

In a risky pivot, Pakistan has been trying to catch the attention of President Vladimir Putin, despite running the risk of angering US.

Over the last few months, Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has been seen attempting to warm up to Putin in public, with the most noticable moment taking place earlier this year during the SCO summit when he rushed towards the Russian President just to shake his hands. The moment even went viral on social media.

Later, he lauded Putin for "supporting Pakistan" and "trying to have a balancing act" in the region, referencing to Operation Sindoor.

On Tuesday, Pakistan strongly condemned the targeting of Putin's residence in a strongly worded post on X from Sharif's own handle. "Such a heinous act constitutes a grave threat to peace, security, and stability, particularly at a time when efforts aimed at peace are underway.

Pakistan expresses its solidarity with the President of the Russian Federation, and with the government and people of Russia," the Pakistan PM said.

So what's at play here and why Pakistan is again pulling off a balancing act? It's all about energy.

Earlier this month, a report said that Pakistan is in talks with Russia for a potential oil-sector agreement.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told RIA news agency that the partnership is being discussed by both the sides and expressed Islamabad's willingness to enter into an oil deal with Moscow.

"All of these areas are Russia’s strengths. And we would be very happy if Russia agreed on an agreement in this sector with Pakistan," Aurangzeb told. "At present, the issue is being discussed by the energy ministries of both sides."

Russia also discussed upgrading a refinery in Pakistan with Russian companies involved, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev had said in November.

Pakistan's outreach to Russia comes at a time when it is looking to lower import costs with Moscow seeking new energy markets after Western sanctions over Ukraine. Pakistan first started buying Russian crude in 2023.

Aurangzeb also said Russia and Pakistan are looking into building another steel plant in Pakistan, RIA reported.

Even though Pakistan has acknowledged Russia's close historical ties with India, it has also emphasised the need to build "very strong relations" with Moscow.

A report in Observer Research Foundation (ORF) said that Russia sees Pakistan mainly as a geostrategic and transit opportunity and a hedging partner, while Pakistan uses Russia as leverage and diversification. This means that cooperation will likely continue but remain limited due to structural limits and Russia’s reluctance to seriously jeopardise its long-standing relationship with India.