Turkey planning ‘Islamic Nato’ with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where an attack on one would be a war against all: Report
What’s Islamic Nato defence pact?
A defence arrangement was signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September. According to Bloomberg, the pact states that “any aggression” against one member would be treated as an attack on all. Turkey, a Nato member with the second-largest military in the alliance after the US, is now seeking to formally join the grouping.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg, on condition of anonymity, that talks on Turkey’s entry are at an advanced stage and a deal appears likely.
Why Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are coming together
Bloomberg reported that the proposed expansion reflects a growing overlap in the strategic interests of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan across multiple regions. Turkey reportedly sees the alliance as a way to boost its security and deterrence posture at a time when questions persist over US reliability and President Donald Trump’s commitment to Nato.
The three nations want to sign the pact as Saudi Arabia would bring financial strength to the alliance, Pakistan its nuclear capability, ballistic missiles and manpower, while Turkey would contribute military experience and a fast-growing defence industry.
From rivalry to cooperation
If Turkey formally joins the pact, it would mark a new phase in its relationship with Saudi Arabia. The two countries were once rivals for leadership of the Sunni Muslim world but are now deepening economic and defence ties. Both the countries recently held their first-ever naval meeting in Ankara.
Despite shared concerns over Shiite-majority Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia prefer engagement with Tehran rather than confrontation. Both countries also support a stable, Sunni-led Syria and back Palestinian statehood.
Strong military ties with Pakistan
Turkey and Pakistan already have close defence cooperation. Ankara is building corvette warships for Pakistan’s navy, has upgraded Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, and shares drone technology with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Turkey also now wants both countries to join its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet programme.
India, Pakistan tensions in the backdrop
The trilateral defence talks have emerged in the recent backdrop of clashes between India and Pakistan in May. While the fighting stopped, tensions remain high in the region. Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to face friction following clashes and accusations by Islamabad that the Taliban is sheltering hostile militant groups.
Turkey and Qatar have mediated talks between the sides, but those efforts have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.
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