Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the notion that Pakistan operates under Chinese influence, calling it a large country with ties spanning multiple nations, in remarks that drew attention across the region.
Putin made the comments at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) when PTI (Press Trust of India) CEO and Editor-in-Chief Vijay Joshi raised the subject of India-China-Pakistan relations.
“I don’t think so,” Putin said, responding to the suggestion that Islamabad was under Beijing’s control. “First and foremost, Pakistan is a large country, it has multi-faceted ties with different countries. Of course, for Pakistan, it is very important to take into account the cooperation with the Republic of China, but everyone is developing relations with China”.
The remarks drew swift reaction in Pakistan. Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry called it a rare moment, noting that Putin had spoken directly to the head of Press Trust of India, an outlet he described as aligned with the Indian establishment. “Putin not only solidified ties with Islamabad but also delivered a lengthy thesis urging India to mend its fractured relationship with China,” he said.
Senior journalist Hamid Mir framed it similarly, writing that Putin had “lectured a Pakistan-obsessed Indian journalist” on the country’s standing in the world.
The forum where the remarks were made has been running since June 1997, when post-Soviet Russia launched it to attract foreign investment and signal openness after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Over nearly three decades, SPIEF has grown into one of Russia’s most prominent international platforms, blending investment discussions with political debate and serving as a venue for Moscow to project its vision of the global order.
This year’s edition features sessions covering energy markets, artificial intelligence and information warfare, among others.
A notable development at this year’s forum is the presence of a US delegation, the first at a major Russian investment event since before the Ukraine war. President Donald Trump appointed Rodney Mims Cook Jr, chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts, as his representative.
Others in attendance include Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and China’s Vice President Han Zheng, who is expected to hold a separate meeting with Putin on June 6. Saudi Arabia is this year’s guest country, represented by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud.
