Russia has dismissed recent media claims about deepening economic ties with Pakistan, calling the reports “fake” and intended to damage its longstanding relationship with India. The allegations centered around an alleged plan to jointly establish steel mills in Karachi.
According to a report in The Express Tribune, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan reportedly met Russian representative Denis Nazaroof on May 13 to discuss reviving Cold War-era cooperation. The talks allegedly included forming a joint working group to facilitate setting up a new steel mill in Karachi.
The Pakistani outlet also suggested that global investors view Pakistan as a promising destination despite the country’s reliance on International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailouts.
Moscow Responds: ‘Completely Fabricated’ News
However, sources in Moscow told IANS that while some discussions did occur, there was no signing of a “multibillion-dollar contract” with Pakistan. They accused Pakistani media of fabricating the story in a bid to undermine India-Russia relations.
“A senior Russian government official said, ‘An exaggerated news from someone who wants to derail the relationship for a sensational reason,’” when asked about the reports.
Russia strongly condemned the effort, branding it another failed attempt to interfere with its “strong and time-tested” ties with New Delhi.
Praise for India’s Defense and Leadership
The report also highlighted recent Indian military successes, where Russian-made defense systems like the S-400 were reportedly instrumental in neutralizing cross-border threats. Additionally, the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missile was used to strike strategic targets in Pakistan.
Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, Russia publicly backed India’s actions and expressed solidarity.
Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov stated: “I don’t think there is anybody, anywhere in the world that doubts the credentials of Prime Minister Modi. His strong leadership is steering the country to global prominence. Both India and Russia stand for a multipolar world order without any global power or a group of countries dominating that order.”
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Prime Minister Modi, offering condolences for the Pahalgam attack and condemning terrorism. He expressed “full support to India in the fight against terrorism,” reinforcing the countries’ close diplomatic bond.
