Proposed partnership could link security collaboration with energy and investment initiatives
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kuwait are holding preliminary discussions on expanding defence cooperation in exchange for stronger collaboration on energy security and investment, according to a Reuters report citing five sources familiar with the negotiations.
The sources said the talks remain at an early stage and no final agreement has been reached. They also cautioned that heightened tensions between the United States and Iran could complicate or delay progress.
According to the report, Kuwait is seeking broader defence cooperation with Pakistan beyond the existing 2023 agreement covering military training and joint exercises. Sources told Reuters that Kuwait has expressed interest in enhanced security support, including defence procurement and expanded military collaboration.
However, Pakistani security officials quoted by Reuters said Islamabad is not currently considering the deployment of combat troops, adding that discussions remain exploratory and that Kuwait’s proposals are still under review.
Energy cooperation part of wider discussions
Alongside defence matters, the two countries are reportedly discussing energy cooperation. Reuters said Pakistan is seeking greater collaboration to strengthen its energy security, while Kuwait is exploring the possibility of establishing bonded fuel storage facilities in Pakistan to build on an existing government-to-government diesel supply arrangement.
Sources added that increased investment and energy cooperation could become important components of any broader bilateral partnership.
Regional security dynamics influence negotiations
The reported discussions come as Gulf countries continue reviewing their regional security arrangements amid evolving geopolitical tensions. Reuters noted that Pakistan’s defence ties with Saudi Arabia have prompted broader interest from several Gulf states in expanding military cooperation with Islamabad.
According to the report, Bahrain has also expressed interest in a similar defence arrangement, while Jordan is reportedly exploring opportunities for weapons procurement and military training.
Analysts, however, cautioned that Pakistan would need to carefully balance any future commitments with its broader regional interests. Neither Pakistan’s military media wing nor Kuwait’s Ministry of Information responded to Reuters’ requests for comment at the time of publication, and officials have not publicly confirmed the reported negotiations.
