The Gulf’s New Patron: Pakistan’s Rising Influence

Pakistan’s recent defence agreement with Kuwait marks a significant milestone in the country’s expanding role as a military mentor to Gulf states. This development is part of a broader trend, where nations are increasingly seeking security guarantees beyond traditional alliances.

Defence cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait dates back to the 1960s, with Pakistan playing a key role in defending Saudi Arabia during the 1990-91 Gulf War. However, the recent agreement marks a formalisation of this relationship through signed agreements. This trend has been unfolding over the past few years, with Pakistan signing mutual defence pacts with Saudi Arabia and joining the Mecca Pact – a trilateral collective-security agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Gulf states are turning to Pakistan due in part to waning confidence in Washington’s security guarantees. The US has traditionally provided a safety net for these countries, but recent events have shaken that trust. For instance, the 2025 Israeli strike on Hamas officials in Doha exposed Qatar’s vulnerabilities in its security arrangements. Days later, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed their own strategic mutual defence agreement – a move seen by some as a hedging strategy against potential US instability.

Pakistan’s unique diplomatic space has contributed to its growing influence. As the only nuclear-armed country in the Muslim world, Islamabad occupies a rare position that allows it to mediate between rival powers while maintaining its own strategic autonomy. This positions Pakistan as a key player in regional security – one that can provide both military training and expertise, as well as a degree of strategic depth.

The benefits of these agreements for Pakistan are not entirely clear-cut. The country has received record remittances from Gulf states in recent years, with close to half coming from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, these economic gains pale in comparison to the strategic benefits of being seen as a regional power broker.

Pakistan’s rise as a regional power will have far-reaching consequences for all involved, including India, which has long viewed Pakistan as a rival in the region. As Islamabad continues to expand its role in regional security, it must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries that define this part of the world. The question remains: how will Pakistan choose to wield its newfound influence – prioritising economic benefits or strategic depth?

Historically, the US has played a dominant role in regional security, but recent events have shown that confidence in Washington’s guarantees is waning. The Mecca Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey represents an attempt by these countries to create their own collective-security arrangements – one that can supplement or even replace traditional ties with the US.

For Pakistan, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges. As a nuclear-armed country with strong ties to Arab nations and China, Islamabad occupies a unique diplomatic space – one that allows it to mediate between rival powers while maintaining its own strategic autonomy.

Record remittances from Gulf states have boosted Islamabad’s coffers in recent years, with close to half coming from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, these economic gains pale in comparison to the strategic benefits of being seen as a regional power broker. As Pakistan continues to expand its role in regional security, it must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define this part of the world.

India has long viewed Pakistan as a rival in regional security – one that seeks to undermine Indian interests through proxy wars and terrorism. However, with Pakistan increasingly seen as a partner in regional security, India must reassess its stance on the subcontinent. Will it view Pakistan’s rise as a threat or an opportunity? Only time will tell.

As we look ahead to the next chapter in regional security, one thing is clear: Pakistan’s rise as a power broker will have far-reaching consequences. Whether Islamabad prioritises economic benefits or strategic depth, its new role in regional security has significant implications for all involved – including India.