FO rejects cancellation of Pak-Russia joint drill as mere propaganda

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria has on Tuesday rejected the Indian claim regarding cancellation of Pak-Russia joint military exercise. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Nafees Zakaria said that the Pak-Russia joint military exercise will be held as per schedule. He said that India is spreading false propaganda regarding cancelation of the exercises by Russia. Russia and Pakistan are slated to hold their first ever joint military drill in the coming months. Around 200 military personnel from Russia and Pakistan will participate in the exercise. Both sides have revealed little else about the drill, dubbed Friendship 2016, except that it will take place in mountainous areas. The fact that the exercise takes place in mountainous terrain could be an indication that Russia is interested in learning from Pakistan’s military counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. The military exercise is a clear signal that Moscow and Islamabad are interested in deepening military-to-military relations. This obviously indicates a desire on both sides to broaden defense and military-technical cooperation.