Key Takeaways
- Kuwait seeks troops, jets, drones under new defence pact with Pakistan.
- Talks remain at an early stage, with no concrete agreement reached yet.
- Pakistan expresses reluctance to deploy combat troops despite interest.
Sources have revealed that Kuwait is in discussions with Pakistan for the expansion of their existing defence agreement. According to Reuters, Kuwait is seeking a more robust military presence from Pakistan, including thousands of troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, and an air defence system.
The talks are currently at an early stage, with both countries reviewing the realistic scope of the proposed agreement. A Pakistani government official stated that while Kuwait has expressed interest in a comprehensive package similar to its pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is cautious about committing to such a significant deployment.
Kuwait’s desire for increased military cooperation stems from heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have recently conducted strikes on Iranian targets within Kuwaiti territory. The official added that while the agreement could include energy cooperation and investment, Pakistan is not willing to go as far as Saudi Arabia's decades-old alliance with Riyadh.
A Middle Eastern source confirmed that Kuwait has been in conversations with Pakistan regarding defence procurement but noted that it remains unclear whether a formal defence pact will be established. Reuters reported that four Pakistani sources and one Middle Eastern source were involved in the discussions, none of whom could speak on the record.
Pakistan’s military media wing and Kuwait’s information ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The talks are seen as part of broader regional dynamics, with both countries looking to strengthen their strategic partnerships amid geopolitical tensions.
The Pakistani security official emphasized that while Pakistan is willing to engage in joint exercises and training, it is hesitant about deploying combat troops at this stage. He stated, 'Kuwait’s wish list includes everything, but we are not and cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage.'
Despite the early stage of negotiations, both countries remain optimistic that the talks could lead to significant developments in their defence cooperation. However, any agreement would need to balance strategic interests with practical considerations.
'Kuwait’s wish list includes everything, but we are not and cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage.'
Pakistani security official, Government official
