Pakistan and Kuwait discuss broader defence pact linked to energy cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kuwait are discussing a broader defence arrangement that could be tied to energy cooperation and investment, according to a media report citing five people familiar with the talks. The discussions are still at an early stage, and one source cautioned that rising tensions between the United States and Iran could complicate any progress.

The proposed expansion comes as Pakistan weighs the implications of its growing defence engagement in the Gulf. Reuters reported on Thursday that there were increasing concerns in Islamabad that the mutual defence pact signed with Saudi Arabia last year could pull Pakistan into a US-Iran conflict. After Yemen's Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia on Monday, Pakistan told Iran that any strike on the kingdom would be treated as an attack on Pakistan itself.

Kuwait has had a more limited defence agreement with Pakistan since 2023 focused on training and joint exercises. It is now seeking a stronger commitment from Islamabad comparable to Pakistan's arrangement with Saudi Arabia, a Pakistani government official said. The official said Kuwait's request includes thousands of Pakistani troops, fighter aircraft, drones, an air defence system, and other defence-related support.

A Pakistani security official familiar with the talks said Kuwait was seeking a very broad package, but ruled out one key element at present.

"Kuwait's wish list includes everything."

the official said, adding:

But let me be clear about one thing: We are not, and we cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage.

A Middle Eastern source confirmed that conversations between Kuwait and Pakistan have taken place, including on defence procurement, but said it was uncertain whether those discussions would ultimately become a formal defence pact. Reuters said it spoke to four Pakistani sources and one Middle Eastern source, none of whom was authorised to speak publicly. The Inter-Services Public Relations and Kuwait's information ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Regional security calculations

Pakistan and several Gulf states have, over the past year, found new incentives to pursue regional defence understandings. Pakistan's large military and domestic defence production, including fighter jets, have made it an attractive alternative or supplement to US security support for Gulf countries that have become less certain about Washington's reliability as an ally.

A source in the Middle East familiar with Kuwait's security planning said Pakistan is viewed in Kuwait as a comparatively comfortable option.

They are already in with the Saudis, they have a long history of defence 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.

Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been preparing a draft agreement for a separate mutual defence pact. Bahrain is also interested in a similar arrangement, according to one source, while Jordan has expressed interest in a weapons and training deal, according to three sources.

Energy and investment dimension

Pakistan sees defence ties with neighbouring states as one way to attract badly needed investment. As part of any possible understanding with Kuwait, Islamabad is seeking cooperation on energy security as the energy ministry works to increase the country's oil and fuel reserves.

A Pakistani source aware of the discussions said Kuwait is examining the possibility of bonded fuel storage in Pakistan, building on an existing government-to-government diesel supply arrangement between the two countries. Two sources said such incentives could still be attractive enough for Pakistan's leadership to pursue a wider defence deal, and that the talks were expected to gather pace once US-Iran tensions ease.

Still, some analysts urged caution. Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia researcher at the University of Technology in Sydney, warned that Pakistan should avoid taking on too much.

"Pakistan has to be cognizant of dangers of over-commitment."

he said.