Protocol Agreement-2026 (Pakistan–Kuwait)
2026 Pakistan–Kuwait defence agreement
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The Protocol Agreement-2026 is a defence co-operation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, aimed at enhancing the existing military cooperation framework established under the 2023 Defence Co-operation Agreement. Under this protocol, Pakistan's armed forces will extend assistance to Kuwait's armed forces in diverse fields, including training, capacity building, border management, and other mutually agreed areas of defence collaboration.[1]
- Khawaja Muhammad Asif (Defence Minister of Pakistan)
- Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah (Defence Minister of Kuwait)
Pakistan and Kuwait | |
| Type | Defence co-operation agreement |
|---|---|
| Signed | 27 August 2026 |
| Location | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| Signatories |
|
| Parties | |
| Language | English |
The pact was signed on 27 August 2026 in Rawalpindi, by Kuwait's Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah and Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, during an official visit of the Kuwaiti delegation to Pakistan.[2]
Background
Analysts say Gulf countries are likely to accelerate efforts to diversify their security partnerships in the aftermath of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, as the region grapples with the lasting impact of the conflict. The Iran war has led some regional capitals to question the value of the United States as a security guarantor, prompting a push to move away from a US-centric security architecture.[3]
In June 2023, Pakistan and Kuwait signed a limited Defence Co-operation Agreement covering training and joint exercises. By mid-2026, Kuwait was reportedly seeking an expanded pact that would include thousands of Pakistani troops, fighter jets, drones, and air defence systems, similar to Pakistan's agreement with Saudi Arabia. However, Pakistani officials indicated that combat troop deployments were not under consideration at that stage, with one security official stating, "We are not and we cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage." The talks were described as being at an early stage, with Pakistan reportedly seeking energy co-operation and investment in return for any expanded defence commitments. In July 2026, Pakistan welcomed Kuwait's ratification of the 2023 agreement, describing it as a major advancement in the enduring defence relationship between the two countries.[4]
Agreement
The protocol was signed on 27 August 2026 in Rawalpindi, significantly enhancing the existing military co-operation framework established under the Defence Co-operation Agreement-2023.[5]
The Kuwaiti delegation also met Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing institutional ties and expanding mutually beneficial defence collaboration between the two brotherly countries.[6]
The agreement is described as a "significant step" in defence and military co-operation between Kuwait and Pakistan, providing a framework for enhancing operational coordination, exchanging expertise, and improving cooperation and integration between the two countries' armed forces.[7]
Reactions
Domestic
Pakistan: Pakistan welcomed Kuwait's ratification of the 2023 Defence Co-operation Agreement, with the Foreign Ministry spokesperson describing it as an "important milestone" in the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries. The ratification reflects the shared resolve to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance institutional linkages between their armed forces.[8]
Kuwait: The Kuwaiti Defence Ministry described the deal as an "important milestone" that would serve shared interests and contribute to regional security.[9]
Regional
The development comes amid heightened regional security challenges in the Gulf, following Iranian missile and drone attacks on several Gulf countries during the recent regional escalation. The war has led some Gulf states to question the reliability of the United States as a security guarantor and accelerate efforts to diversify their defence partnerships.[10]
The agreement with Kuwait followed Pakistan's participation in the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey in August 2026.[11]