Pakistan and Kuwait are negotiating an expansion of their defense agreement in exchange for cooperation and investments in the energy sector. This was reported by Reuters, citing five informed sources, as written by UNN.
Details
According to the agency's interlocutors, the negotiations are at an early stage, and their progress could be complicated by the escalation of tensions between the US and Iran. The sources note that the future agreement could also affect Pakistan's role in potential mediation between Washington and Tehran.
Currently, a defense agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, signed in 2023, is in effect, which provides for conducting exercises and joint military training. According to Reuters, Kuwait seeks to conclude a broader pact, similar to Pakistan's agreement with Saudi Arabia, which would cover the deployment of Pakistani military personnel, fighter jets, drones, air defense systems, and other defense assets.
The negotiations are at an initial stage
At the same time, the sources emphasize that Islamabad is not yet ready to agree to the deployment of combat units in Kuwait.
Kuwait's wish list includes everything. But let me make one thing clear: we are not considering and cannot consider the deployment of combat troops at this stage
A source in the Middle East confirmed that the parties are discussing cooperation, including the purchase of defense products, but noted that it is not yet clear whether this concerns a full-fledged defense pact.
According to the agency, over the past year, Pakistan and the Gulf states have intensified their search for new formats of defense cooperation. The countries of the region view Islamabad as a possible alternative or supplement to US security guarantees, thanks to Pakistan's large army and its own production of combat aircraft.