On the Nature and Focus of Joint Combat Training Events Between the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Armed Forces of India and Pakistan1

Abstract

ABSTRACT The composition of participants in the combined training exercises (CTXs) conducted by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with foreign armed forces points to prospective, preferential, and priority partners of Russia in the field of defense and security cooperation. When staging CTXs, the Russian military, along with professional tasks, has to take note of the difficult relations between its foreign partners, of which India and Pakistan are a good example. Whereas India is a long-standing partner of Russia, Pakistan only recently aspired to develop comprehensive cooperation with Moscow. Moreover, Pakistan is a key regional partner of China, which Russia cannot ignore. Finally, the development of relations with Pakistan balances India’s possible bias toward the United States.