US foreign policy expert Daniel Markey said Pakistan’s new defence alignment strengthens its regional position.
Markey said the pact with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has challenged India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan. He described the development as unfavorable for New Delhi.
Speaking to Indian news outlet The Wire, Markey said India had strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia for years. He said New Delhi also sought to limit Pakistan’s relationships across West Asia.
Pact Deepens Pakistan-Türkiye Military Ties
Markey highlighted Pakistan’s growing military relationship with Türkiye. He said closer ties could provide Pakistan greater access to Turkish defence technologies.
He particularly pointed to Türkiye’s advanced drone capabilities as a potential concern for India. Markey said this development could create material military challenges for New Delhi.
He also said regional alliances were moving away from earlier initiatives centered around India. Those arrangements linked India with the US, Israel, UAE, Europe, and Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Gains Greater Regional Relevance
Markey said the emerging alignment now brings Pakistan more deeply into regional partnerships. He added that Islamabad can benefit from geopolitical opportunities that seemed unlikely five years ago.
According to Markey, Pakistan’s military strength has increased its regional value. He said Islamabad could use that capability to secure economic and geopolitical support.
He also noted Pakistan’s growing engagement with Washington and European partners. Markey said the pact could make future Indian military action against Pakistan more difficult.
However, he said Saudi Arabia offers Pakistan greater financial and political support than direct military benefits. Türkiye, meanwhile, could provide more significant military advantages.
