Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and Kuwait are in talks for an expanded defence pact.
- The deal could include energy cooperation and investment from Pakistan.
- Kuwait seeks a show of force by Pakistani troops, including fighter jets and drones.
Pakistan and Kuwait have been discussing the possibility of expanding their existing defence agreement, according to sources familiar with the talks. The discussions are at an early stage but could lead to increased military cooperation between the two nations.
Kuwait is seeking a more robust defence partnership that would involve thousands of Pakistani troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, and other defence-related facilities. This expanded pact would be similar to Pakistan’s existing mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, signed last year.
However, any potential deal faces complications due to heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Following an attack by the Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan warned Iran that it would treat attacks on the kingdom as attacks on itself. This stance has raised questions about Pakistan’s role in future mediation efforts between the US and Iran.
Pakistan’s military media wing and Kuwait’s information ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters reported that four Pakistani sources and one Middle Eastern source were involved in the discussions, though none could speak on the record.
Kuwait has had a limited defence deal with Pakistan since 2023, focusing on training and joint exercises. The new pact would represent a significant escalation in military cooperation between the two countries. A Pakistani government official stated that while Kuwait’s wish list includes everything, Pakistan is not willing to deploy combat troops at this stage.
The expanded defence agreement could also include energy cooperation and investment from Pakistan. This move aligns with broader regional trends where Gulf states are exploring new defence alternatives due to growing concerns about the reliability of US protection.
Pakistan maintains a large military and produces its own fighter jets, making it an attractive option for Gulf states like Kuwait. A source in the Middle East familiar with Kuwait’s security planning noted that Pakistan is seen as a safe bet given its long history of defence development, relationship with the United States, and shared religious and cultural ties.
Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have been preparing a draft agreement for a mutual defence pact, separate from the discussions between Pakistan and Kuwait. This suggests that Pakistan is exploring multiple defence partnerships in the region.
