Indian General warns of Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi defense pact

Retired Indian Major-General Gagan Deep Bakshi has warned that a new defense alignment between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia poses a significant strategic challenge to India. Bakshi described the arrangement, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, as a potential ‘Sunni NATO’ that could endanger Indian security interests.

Bakshi argued that New Delhi should strengthen its strategic ties with Iran to serve as a vital counterweight to Pakistan, which he identified as a primary security concern. He suggested that India should prioritize its national interests over diplomatic pressures from the United States or Israel regarding its relationship with Tehran.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement follows a bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed in September 2025. While officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan maintain the pact is purely defensive and aimed at regional deterrence, Indian strategic analysts view the coalition with concern due to the structural advantages it provides to regional adversaries.