India Reacts to Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
At a glance
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
- The pact includes a collective defence clause.
- India has reacted to the agreement, noting Pakistan's growing influence.
Story so far
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a pact aimed at institutionalising mutual defence planning, intelligence cooperation, joint training, and coordinated responses to common security threats. The agreement, signed in Makkah, includes a collective defence clause, meaning an armed attack on one signatory is considered an attack on all three. This development follows a period of strained confidence in existing regional security arrangements. The agreement is understood to be defensive, building on longstanding military relationships. Iran has reportedly issued a warning, while the Saudi Foreign Minister hailed it as a historic milestone. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the pact, and celebrations have been reported in Pakistan. Speculation also surrounds the potential expansion of the agreement to include other countries like Qatar and Egypt.
Latest development
India has reacted to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with reports from some media outlets discussing Pakistan's growing influence as a result of the pact.
Latest updates
Reports indicate India has reacted to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with some media outlets discussing Pakistan's growing influence in the context of the pact.
Indian media has reportedly reacted to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with some reports describing it as significant and sparking discussion.
Following the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, Indian media has reportedly praised Pakistan's role in the pact. Additionally, reports indicate that Israel is on high alert concerning the agreement.
Speculation has emerged regarding the potential expansion of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement beyond its three founding members. Several countries are being considered as possible future participants, including Qatar, which maintains close relationships with the current members and possesses significant financial resources and strategic importance. Egypt is also seen as a potential addition, given its substantial military capabilities and strategic location. Other Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman are also mentioned as possible candidates for a broader regional security arrangement, although none have formally joined the pact yet.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan, has released a special anthem on the occasion of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The anthem's lyrics reflect the shared religious and cultural heritage of the three nations, highlighting mutual unity, brotherhood, and a shared defence resolve.
In Saudi Arabia, prominent landmarks and towers were illuminated with Saudi, Pakistani, and Turkish national flags to celebrate the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. This display of public joy was observed across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has also welcomed the pact, and celebrations have been reported in Faisalabad.
Following the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, former US Ambassador Christopher Hill has commented on the pact. Additionally, the Saudi Foreign Minister has hailed the agreement as a historic milestone for peace and prosperity in the region. Reports also indicate celebrations in Islamabad regarding the defence pact.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued an important statement regarding the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Iran has reportedly issued a major warning concerning the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a move described as part of a gradual reordering of the Gulf’s security architecture.
The pact aims to institutionalise mutual defence planning, intelligence cooperation, joint training, and coordinated responses to common security threats. However, it is understood to be a defensive agreement that does not establish a permanent integrated command, with each country retaining sovereign control over decisions involving the use of force.
The agreement is seen not as a replacement for the traditional American security umbrella in the region, but as an effort to supplement it with a regional mechanism. This follows a period where confidence in existing arrangements has been strained by attacks on energy facilities and disruptions to commercial navigation.
While the pact is described as fundamentally defensive, some initial reports have suggested it may include a collective defence clause where an attack on one signatory is considered an attack on all three. Official confirmation of the full terms is awaited.
The agreement builds on longstanding military relationships and institutional familiarity between the three nations. Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye on Friday signed the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” aimed at strengthening collective deterrence against any act of aggression, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The pact, signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It also provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three countries.
Earlier on Friday, PM Shehbaz, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, met with the Saudi Crown Prince in Makkah. PM Shehbaz arrived in Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit on Thursday.
Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a joint defence agreement on Friday, forming a significant alliance of major Muslim powers amid heightened regional turmoil.
The signing ceremony will take place in Jeddah. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, will meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to formalise the pact.
The agreement follows nearly a year of negotiations and comes as the conflict involving Iran has exposed security vulnerabilities in the Gulf and disrupted key shipping routes.
While a Turkish official confirmed the agreement will be signed, there was no immediate clarity on the specific commitments of each state. Turkiye is a NATO member, Saudi Arabia is a major US ally and top oil exporter, and Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim country.
An existing bilateral pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan already treats an attack on either nation as an attack on both, encompassing “all military means,” a Saudi official previously stated.
Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia have signed a major agreement, referred to as an "Islamic NATO Alliance."
Reports now indicate that Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a joint defense pact.
The leaders of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia are meeting in Saudi Arabia on Friday, with reports indicating the formalization of a new trilateral defense alliance.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia for a one-day visit to meet with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already reached Jeddah following an invitation from the Crown Prince. He was received upon arrival by Makkah Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and other senior officials.
While Turkey's Director of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, confirmed the meetings would focus on bilateral relations and regional developments, multiple reports suggest the key outcome will be a strategic defense pact between the three nations.
The talks between Prime Minister Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are also expected to cover the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.
The anticipated summit between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is underway today, August 7, in Jeddah. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting Saudi Arabia for the event, where a major defence agreement is expected to be signed.
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