Pakistan plans to join the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a major trade route connecting South Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe, as Islamabad and Moscow move to deepen economic and strategic cooperation under a new partnership framework extending to 2030.
The development emerged during a webinar titled “Pakistan-Russia Bilateral Relationship at the cusp of shifting global order”, where Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari outlined the growing momentum in ties between the two countries.
A major focus of the discussion was regional connectivity. Pakistan signalled its intention to become part of the INSTC, a 7,200-kilometre multimodal transport network that combines sea, rail and road routes linking India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Northern Europe.
Leghari welcomed recent remarks by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk regarding the possibility of connecting the INSTC to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Such a move could create a strategic link between the corridor and regional trade routes connected to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Analysts say the corridor could significantly reduce transportation costs and delivery times between South Asia, Russia and Europe while opening new opportunities for trade and logistics cooperation.
Russia-Pakistan Ties Gain Momentum
Leghari said Pakistan-Russia relations have undergone a significant transformation during the past two decades.
Addressing the webinar, he noted that mistrust inherited from the Soviet era has largely disappeared, allowing both countries to build cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and regional security.
The minister described Russia as a “trusted friend” and highlighted growing engagement at the highest political level.
According to Leghari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held four meetings in recent years, helping strengthen bilateral cooperation.
As co-chairman of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, Leghari said he regularly engages with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev. He described the commission as the cornerstone of the expanding partnership.
Both countries have also increased consultations on security, strategic stability and counterterrorism while working closely at forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Economic Cooperation Until 2030
To address trade barriers and unlock greater economic potential, Pakistan and Russia have agreed to sign the Program of Economic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and Pakistan for the Period until 2030.
The agreement aims to improve trade mechanisms, facilitate investment and remove long-standing obstacles, including payment-related challenges.
Leghari also highlighted the recent signing of the Russia-Pakistan Readmission Agreement in Bishkek, a long-pending arrangement expected to simplify visa procedures and encourage business travel and people-to-people exchanges.
The minister said Russian leaders have also acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in easing tensions between Iran and the United States, describing the recognition as evidence of Pakistan’s growing role in regional affairs.
Concluding his remarks, Leghari stressed that stronger Pakistan-Russia relations would contribute to broader Eurasian connectivity, economic integration and regional stability.
With Gwadar emerging as a potential gateway to one of the world’s most ambitious trade corridors, Islamabad appears determined to position itself at the centre of future regional commerce.
