Leading policy experts, diplomats, and academic leaders from Russia and Pakistan convened for a joint roundtable on August 18, 2026, to explore bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and information sovereignty. The hybrid event was co-hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and Pakistan's National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).

Addressing Shared Priorities in Information Sovereignty

The international panel brought together high-level figures to align strategic interests between Moscow and Islamabad. Key participants included Dr. Dmitry Kiku (Deputy Director General of RIAC), Dr. Hassan Jalil Shah (Principal of NUST Jinnah School of Public Policy and Leadership), Gleb Shubin (Cultural Attaché at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad), and Egor Rykov (International Business Development Manager at Positive Technologies).

Throughout the discussions, delegates outlined their respective national priorities in safeguarding critical digital infrastructure against emerging global cyber threats.

• Cyber Defense Strategies: Exchanging insights on threat intelligence and protecting national data sovereignty.

• Public-Private Synergy: Integrating technological expertise from leading cybersecurity firms into diplomatic frameworks.

• Academic Partnerships: Developing collaborative frameworks between Russian and Pakistani higher education institutes.

Strengthening Knowledge Exchanges and Joint Research

Recognizing the rapid evolution of digital risks, panelists underscored that institutional collaboration is vital for long-term regional stability. The participants agreed to accelerate joint academic initiatives, expert dialogues, and research programs focused on digital security standards and cyber governance.

The event closed with a mutual commitment to establish regular expert-level exchanges, cementing cybersecurity as a foundational pillar of modern Russian-Pakistani relations.