Pakistan and Kuwait discuss expanded defense pact, sources say

Pakistan and Kuwait are reportedly discussing an expanded defense pact, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations. The talks involve potential military cooperation and are being considered alongside energy partnerships and investments, officials said. The discussions are still in their early stages and face challenges due to rising tensions between the United States and Iran, one source noted. The proposed agreement comes amid growing concerns in Pakistan about its mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, signed last year. Islamabad has warned Iran that attacks on Saudi Arabia would be treated as attacks on Pakistan after the Iran-backed Houthi group struck the kingdom earlier this week. A defense deal with Kuwait, another Gulf state facing Iranian pressure, could complicate Pakistan’s position in any future U.S.-Iran mediation efforts. Kuwait currently has a modest defense arrangement with Pakistan, involving training and joint military exercises dating back to 2023. However, the Gulf nation is now seeking a more robust commitment from Islamabad, including "thousands of Pakistani troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, an air defense system, and other defense-related facilities," according to a Pakistani government official. A senior Pakistani security figure described Kuwait’s demands as comprehensive, stating, “Kuwait’s wish list includes everything.” Yet the official emphasized that Pakistan is not considering the deployment of combat troops at this time. A Middle Eastern source confirmed ongoing talks between Kuwait and Pakistan, including discussions on defense procurement, though it remained uncertain whether these would lead to a formal defense pact. The interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan reflects broader trends in the region. Over the past year, Gulf states have sought alternatives to U.S. military assurances, particularly as doubts grow about American reliability as an ally. Pakistan, with its substantial military capabilities and indigenous production of fighter jets, has emerged as a viable partner for Gulf nations looking to bolster their security. In Kuwait, Pakistan is viewed as a reliable option, according to a Middle Eastern source familiar with Kuwait’s security strategy. “They are already in with the Saudis, they have a long history of defense development, they are Muslim Sunni, they have a good relationship with the Americans, so it’s not as sensitive as some other options,” the source said. Separately, Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia are working on a draft mutual defense agreement distinct from Pakistan’s current pact with Riyadh. Other Gulf states, such as Bahrain, have shown interest in similar arrangements, while Jordan has explored potential deals focused on weapons and training, according to multiple sources. For Pakistan, expanding defense agreements with Gulf states aligns with its need for economic support. Energy security is a key component of the proposed deal with Kuwait. Islamabad seeks to enhance its oil and fuel reserves through collaboration with the Gulf nation. Kuwait is reportedly considering a bonded fuel storage initiative with Pakistan, building upon an existing government-to-government diesel supply agreement between the two countries. This potential partnership could provide Pakistan with much-needed financial incentives, even as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics. The country’s leadership appears open to such arrangements, provided they offer tangible benefits beyond military commitments. The evolving defense landscape in the region underscores the shifting alliances and strategic recalibrations taking place amid persistent regional instability. As talks continue, the outcome will depend on how well both sides can balance security interests with economic gains.