Putin Offers Counterterrorism Support to Pakistan Amid India-US Deal Concerns

• Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the Islamabad mosque bombing as "barbaric" and offered counterterrorism support to Pakistan.
• The deadly attack, claimed by the Islamic State group’s Pakistan affiliate, killed 31 and injured 169 during Friday prayers.
• Pakistan has arrested four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, in connection with the bombing.
• India's growing alignment with the US, including a $500 billion trade deal, is seen as nudging Russia towards new alliances with Pakistan.
• This "marriage of necessity" between Russia and Pakistan is driven by an energy vacuum, security counterweight, and Russia's "balancer" strategy in South Asia.