Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, emphasized that Islamabad fully respects Russia’s strong and long-standing ties with India, describing them as “perfectly fine.” Sharif noted that Pakistan is eager to establish deeper cooperation with Moscow, highlighting that such relations would not only be beneficial but also complementary to the peace, development, and prosperity of the wider region. He also referred to President Putin as a “very dynamic leader,” expressing his readiness to work in close collaboration with him to enhance bilateral understanding and mutual progress.
Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s goal is to foster “very strong relations” with Russia, stressing that these would serve as a positive addition to the region’s stability and shared growth. His remarks came as both leaders prepared to participate in a significant military parade hosted by China to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. The event has drawn several world leaders, and Putin, alongside his meeting with Sharif, also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico as part of his diplomatic engagements in Beijing.
The encounter between Sharif and Putin follows an earlier moment at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where Sharif was seen moving quickly to catch up with Putin in an apparent attempt to secure a handshake while the Russian leader walked alongside China’s Xi Jinping after the group photograph. This gesture drew attention to Pakistan’s keen interest in strengthening its visibility and ties with Russia on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit on Monday, underlining the serious threat that terrorism poses not only to individual nations but to humanity as a whole. Modi firmly stated that “double standards” in counterterrorism efforts would no longer be acceptable. Referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Modi pointed out that India has faced the scourge of terrorism for over forty years. He also expressed appreciation to global partners who have consistently supported India’s efforts in combating the menace.
