Pakistan, Kuwait hold talks on expanding defence collaboration

Pakistan and Kuwait are holding early-stage discussions on expanding their defence partnership, with talks also covering energy cooperation and investment, according to sources familiar with the matter.

 

The proposed arrangement could broaden the existing defence cooperation between the two countries, although officials cautioned that negotiations remain preliminary and could be affected by ongoing regional tensions, particularly between the United States and Iran.

 

According to sources, Kuwait is seeking enhanced military cooperation similar to Pakistan's defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, including support in areas such as military training, air defence, fighter aircraft, drones, and other defence capabilities. However, Pakistani officials indicated that the deployment of combat troops is not currently under consideration.

 

Pakistan and Kuwait have maintained a defence cooperation agreement since 2023, focused primarily on training and joint military exercises.

 

A Middle Eastern source confirmed that discussions between the two countries also include defence procurement, but noted that it remains uncertain whether they will result in a formal defence pact.

 

The report said Gulf states have increasingly explored regional defence partnerships with Pakistan, which possesses one of the region's largest militaries and a growing domestic defence industry.

 

Sources added that Islamabad is also seeking greater energy cooperation as part of the broader discussions. Kuwait is reportedly considering establishing bonded fuel storage facilities in Pakistan, building on the existing government-to-government diesel supply arrangement between the two countries.

 

Officials expect negotiations to gain momentum once geopolitical tensions in the region ease. However, analysts cautioned that Pakistan should carefully balance its strategic commitments to avoid overextending its regional defence obligations.