Kuwait and Pakistan begin talks on expanded defense pact

Kuwait is in early-stage negotiations with Pakistan for an expanded defense agreement that would see a significant deployment of Pakistani military assets to the Gulf state in exchange for energy cooperation and investment, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. The discussions, reported on July 17, 2026, highlight Pakistan's growing role as an alternative or supplementary security partner for Gulf nations amid regional instability.

The proposed agreement would involve Kuwait requesting thousands of Pakistani troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, and an air defense system, according to a Pakistani government official. However, sources indicate Pakistan is cautious, with one security official stating that deploying combat troops is not under consideration at this stage. The talks build upon a more limited security agreement the two countries signed in 2023, which focused on mutual training and exercises. An expanded pact with a mutual defense clause would mirror the landmark agreement Pakistan signed with Saudi Arabia in September 2025.

Kuwait's outreach comes as the Gulf state has endured intense strikes from Iran during the ongoing regional conflict. Just...