India alarmed by Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye alliance

The defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has emerged as a major strategic concern for India.

The defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has emerged as a major strategic concern for India.

The three countries signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7. Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack against all three.

The agreement has attracted significant attention in New Delhi. Indian analysts are assessing its possible impact on the regional balance of power.

An Indian media analysis recalled comments made by Indian Army Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh in 2025.

He had said that during the military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, India faced several forms of support for Pakistan.

The analysis claimed that Pakistan was directly involved in the conflict. It also alleged that China provided satellite information to Pakistan.

Türkiye was accused of providing military assistance to Pakistan. The assistance reportedly included drones and other defence equipment.

Saudi Arabia’s participation has now added another dimension to India’s concerns.

Indian analysts fear that Riyadh could support Pakistan if another armed conflict breaks out between India and Pakistan.

The concern comes despite India’s strong relations with Saudi Arabia. The two countries have extensive economic and strategic ties.

India and Saudi Arabia cooperate in oil, trade, investment, security and cultural affairs.

Their bilateral trade is estimated at around $43 billion. Saudi Arabia also remains an important supplier of crude oil to India.

It reportedly meets around 14% of India’s crude oil requirements.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also have a long history of defence cooperation.

Pakistan has provided military training to Saudi forces. Pakistani military personnel have also been deployed in Saudi Arabia at different times.

The Indian analysis claimed that Pakistan sent around 8,000 military personnel and 16 JF-17 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during 2026.

It also referred to reports about possible Pakistani drone support and Chinese-made air defence systems.

These developments were reportedly linked to Saudi Arabia’s security concerns and attacks involving drones.

The relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye has also expanded significantly in recent years.

The two countries have increased cooperation in defence technology and military production.

Pakistan has acquired Turkish-made warships and other defence equipment. Türkiye has also supported the modernisation of Pakistan’s naval capabilities.

The two countries are also cooperating in the field of unmanned aerial systems.

Pakistan has acquired Turkish Bayraktar Akıncı drones. Both sides have discussed and worked on expanding cooperation in drone technology.

Türkiye’s KAAN stealth fighter has also attracted interest from Pakistan. However, no final purchase agreement for the aircraft has been confirmed.