RUSSIA could back Pakistan and turn on India if it continues to trade with the West as Moscow and Islamabad pledge to improve defence ties, it has been claimed

India has repeatedly pleaded with Russia to not sell arms to Pakistan

by Thomas Mackie

However, New Delhi has still placed large orders with Vladimir Putin but has previously done so under the condition the superstate does not sell certain arms to its South Asian neighbour.

India’s 2016 £4.1 billion ($5.5 billion) S-400 surface-to-air missile deal was signed under these terms.

Kamal Alam, a Pakistan analyst at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, thinks Russia may continue to restrict the amount and type of weaponry offered to Pakistan, but this stance could change if India continues purchasing equipment from the West.

James Hackett, defence analyst with the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, added: “Russia is still very heavily invested in current and future Indian defence equipment.

“So in this context, because of India’s potential reaction, Russia would likely weigh carefully any decision to significantly deepen defence ties with Pakistan.”

This comes after Indian experts visited Pakistan to discuss aspects of bilateral ties between Islamabad and New Delhi to improve relations by reviving Track II diplomacy.

Track II diplomacy, otherwise known as back channel diplomacy, involves the use of non-governmental contact to analyse possible solutions to tension and conflict.

One source detailed the interactions between the two nuclear-armed states occurred between April 28 and April 30 in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. Another source added: "The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations and agreed that all issues between the two countries should be resolved through talks.”

Both India and Pakistan have been responsible for horrifying ceasefire violations along the contested border separating the two countries known as the Line of Control (LoC).

Kanwal Sibal, India’s former foreign secretary, emphasised such dialogue between the two countries has been strained in recent years.

He stated: "Neemrana has had a tough time over the past few years.

“Both sides felt though that it was important to keep alive that tradition but I didn't go because I don't think it would yield significant results in the current circumstances.”

Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs, Mohammad Faisal, said: "India should walk the talk and refrain from provocative statements.

“Our armed forces practice restraint but have the capacity and are ever vigilant to give a befitting response to any threat to the motherland.”