Pakistan has been negotiating an expanded defence arrangement with Kuwait in exchange for energy cooperation and investment.

The discussions are still at an early stage. One Reuters source said they could be complicated by heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

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The first moves are seldom the loudest

The proposed understanding would build on the narrower defence relationship already in place between the two countries.

Since 2023, Kuwait and Pakistan have had a limited defence deal focused on training and joint exercises, but Kuwait is now seeking something broader, including a stronger show of force similar to Pakistan’s pact with Saudi Arabia, according to a Pakistani government official.

That wish list, the official said, includes “thousands of Pakistani troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, an air defence system, and other defence-related facilities”.

Not every card is meant to be played

A Pakistani security official said that while Kuwait’s demands are extensive, Islamabad is not ready to entertain combat troop deployment at this stage.

“Kuwait’s wish list includes everything,” the official said. “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 Kuwait has been in talks with Pakistan, including over defence procurement, though it was not yet clear whether the discussions would amount to a formal defence pact.

Beyond the handshake lies a regional calculation

The talks come as Pakistan and several Gulf states reassess regional security arrangements amid rising uncertainty over US reliability as a security partner and the spillover risks from tensions involving Iran.

Pakistan sees defence agreements with Gulf countries as a way to support investment and stabilise its own financial position, while Kuwait is exploring bonded fuel storage with Pakistan as part of a broader energy-security push.

Pakistan would seek cooperation on energy security in return, including stronger access to oil and fuel reserves.

Pakistan’s military media wing and Kuwait’s information ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Any breakthrough could depend on whether regional tensions ease, but analysts warned that Pakistan would need to avoid overextending itself if negotiations advance.

For now, the proposed deal remains in the realm of early-stage talks, with both sides weighing the security and economic gains against the diplomatic risks.

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FAQs

Q1: Why are Pakistan and Kuwait discussing a new defence agreement?

Pakistan and Kuwait are exploring an expanded defence partnership that could combine security cooperation with energy and investment interests, according to Reuters.

Q2: Has Pakistan agreed to deploy combat troops to Kuwait?

No, a Pakistani security official told Reuters that Islamabad is not considering the deployment of combat troops at this stage.