Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey sign Makkah Joint Defence Pact, raising regional security stakes

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca. The pact contains a collective defence clause stating that an armed attack on any one of the three will be considered an attack on all, and it expands cooperation in intelligence sharing and joint defence projects.

Analysts say the agreement reflects the rapidly changing strategic environment in West Asia, citing concerns over Iran, U.S.-Israel actions, and the security of energy and water infrastructure in the Gulf. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the pact historic and said it will help combat terrorism. Iran has condemned the deal, calling it "just a piece of paper."

Experts note that the pact poses new questions for India, which may have to consider how its anti‑terror operations against Pakistan‑based groups would be interpreted under the collective defence clause. Saudi financial resources could bolster Pakistan's military capabilities, while Turkey brings its NATO‑linked army to the partnership.