Pakistan, Oct. 15 -- Russia's latest expression of interest in expanding economic cooperation with Pakistan comes against a sobering set of trade figures. During Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev's visit to Islamabad, both governments spoke enthusiastically of investment, energy and commercial opportunities. Yet bilateral trade stood at just $243.4 million in FY2025, against more than $1 billion a year earlier. The decline is particularly striking given the steady stream of diplomatic engagements and agreements between the two countries.

Energy Minister Awais Leghari had previously attributed this to difficulties involving banking channels, payment arrangements, financing and shipping. These are formidable impediments to com...