Pakistan, Kuwait Hold Talks on Expanding Defence Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions
Pakistan and Kuwait are holding early-stage discussions on expanding their defence cooperation in a move that could be tied to increased energy collaboration and investment, according to five sources familiar with the negotiations.
The proposed agreement would build on an existing defence arrangement signed in 2023 that focuses on military training and joint exercises. However, sources said the talks remain preliminary and could be affected by escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran.
According to a Pakistani government official, Kuwait is seeking a broader defence partnership similar to Pakistan’s agreement with Saudi Arabia, including the deployment of Pakistani troops, fighter jets, drones, air defence systems, and other military support.
A Pakistani security official said Kuwait’s proposal is extensive but stressed that Islamabad is not considering deploying combat troops at this stage.
“Kuwait’s wish list includes everything, but we are not and cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage,” the official said.
A Middle Eastern source confirmed that defence-related discussions are taking place, including possible defence procurement, but noted it remains unclear whether they will result in a formal mutual defence pact.
Neither Pakistan’s military media wing nor Kuwait’s Ministry of Information responded to requests for comment.
The talks come as Gulf countries explore new regional security partnerships amid growing uncertainty over long-term U.S. security commitments. Pakistan’s large military, domestically produced fighter aircraft, and longstanding defence ties with Gulf nations have made it an attractive security partner for the region.
Sources said Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia are also preparing a draft agreement for a broader regional defence framework, while Bahrain has shown interest in a similar arrangement and Jordan is exploring cooperation in military training and weapons procurement.
For Pakistan, defence partnerships are also viewed as a way to attract much-needed foreign investment. As part of the discussions, Islamabad is seeking greater cooperation with Kuwait on energy security, including fuel storage projects and expanded oil supplies.
One Pakistani source said Kuwait is considering establishing bonded fuel storage facilities in Pakistan, building on an existing government-to-government diesel supply agreement between the two countries.
Officials said negotiations could accelerate if regional tensions between the United States and Iran ease. However, analysts warned that Pakistan must carefully balance its regional commitments.
“Pakistan has to be cognizant of the dangers of over-commitment,” said Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia researcher at the University of Technology Sydney.
