At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told Russian President Vladimir Putin that while Pakistan acknowledges Moscow’s close partnership with India, it aims to deepen ties with Russia as part of a regional balancing strategy.

Sharif commended President Putin’s leadership style and put forward proposals for expanding cooperation in areas such as defence, energy projects, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and cultural partnerships.

Putin responded positively, highlighting the SCO’s importance in ensuring stability and cooperation across Eurasia.

The two leaders exchanged views on Afghanistan's future, the conflicts in Ukraine, and humanitarian concerns in Palestine and Kashmir.

Putin extended an invitation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to travel to Moscow later this year, which the Pakistani leader accepted, confirming a November visit.