Pakistan–Russia Tensions: Munir Turns to China After Alleged S‑400 Espionage, Why Putin Snubbed Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad/Moscow: Fresh controversy has erupted in Pakistan’s strategic circles following explosive claims by former Pakistani army officer Adil Raja, who alleged that Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI attempted to steal Russia’s S‑400 air defence technology. According to Raja, Russian authorities detected the operation and detained Pakistani agents, triggering a serious diplomatic fallout between Moscow and Islamabad.

Alleged Espionage and Diplomatic Fallout

In a video statement, Adil Raja claimed that ISI sent operatives to Russia to acquire sensitive S‑400 air defence technology after Pakistan’s own air defence network suffered massive damage. He warned that if attempts were made to silence him, he would publicly name Pakistani officials who have allegedly been stationed in China for over two months seeking military assistance.

Raja asserted that Russia’s discovery of the espionage attempt directly led to President Vladimir Putin humiliating Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reportedly making him wait for over 40 minutes before refusing a formal meeting.

Air Defence Collapse After Operation Sindoor

These claims come in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, during which Indian Air Force strikes reportedly destroyed over 70 percent of Pakistan’s air defence infrastructure. Pakistan relies heavily on China‑supplied HQ‑9B air defence systems, which allegedly failed to intercept BrahMos and SCALP cruise missiles.

According to reports, Indian drones neutralized HQ‑9B radar installations near Lahore, leaving Pakistan critically exposed. Since then, Islamabad has been urgently seeking new air defence systems.

China’s Reluctance and Financial Constraints

Adil Raja claimed that despite Pakistan’s repeated requests, China has refused to supply new air defence systems. He cited two major reasons:

1. Pakistan’s inability to afford the systems, and
2. Chinese air defence platforms containing Russian components, which would violate existing technology agreements.

This, Raja alleged, pushed ISI toward the risky move of attempting to extract S‑400 technology directly from Russia.

Shehbaz Sharif’s Awkward Encounter with Putin

According to Raja, the diplomatic embarrassment escalated when Shehbaz Sharif allegedly attempted to forcibly enter a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to explain Pakistan’s position. The effort reportedly failed, further straining ties with Moscow.

F‑16 Controversy and U.S. Surveillance

Raja also addressed Pakistan’s claims regarding U.S. funding for F‑16 fighter jet maintenance. He clarified that the agreement was finalized in 2022 under the Biden administration, not recently. He further claimed that the U.S. has installed surveillance links in Pakistan’s F‑16 fleet to monitor their operational use, ensuring they are not deployed against India.

A Strategic Crisis Deepens

If the allegations are accurate, they expose a deepening crisis within Pakistan’s defence and foreign policy framework—marked by military vulnerability, financial distress, strained alliances, and diplomatic isolation. While official confirmations are awaited, the revelations have already sparked intense debate across South Asia’s strategic community.