Potential Formation of 'Islamic NATO': Turkey's Prospective Entry into Pakistan-Saudi Defence Alliance Spurs Regional Security Concerns
A proposed security alliance comprising Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is capturing attention both globally and regionally. Analysts caution that this potential "Islamic NATO" could have significant strategic consequences, especially for India.
Reports from international media indicate that Turkey is on the brink of joining a defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This existing agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is said to include a collective security clause similar to NATO's Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
What Is Being Called ‘Islamic NATO’?
The term "Islamic NATO" refers to a potential defense arrangement among Islamic or Arab states, akin to NATO's collective defense model. The concept gained traction last September during an emergency summit of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, where a joint security framework was discussed.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia later announced a "strategic mutual defense agreement," with language that mirrors NATO's collective defense principle, stating that any aggression against one would be considered aggression against the other.
Turkey's involvement in this framework would notably enhance its scope and capabilities.
Why Turkey Is Interested
With one of the largest militaries in NATO and a rapidly growing domestic defense sector, Turkey sees strategic benefits in aligning with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Experts highlight overlapping interests in South Asia, West Asia, and parts of Africa as key factors.
Turkey's military expertise and advanced defense production, combined with Pakistan's manpower, missile capabilities, and nuclear deterrence, along with Saudi Arabia's financial power, form a strong strategic alliance.
Additionally, Turkey's interest is partly due to uncertainties regarding long-term US security guarantees and shifting geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.
Implications for India
For India, the emergence of such an alliance is concerning. India and Pakistan were involved in a brief military conflict in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor, after which India claimed Pakistan used drones originating from Turkey.
Turkey criticized India's actions during this operation and extended diplomatic support to Pakistan, heightening India's apprehensions about the Ankara-Islamabad relationship.
Indian defense experts warn that a formal security alliance integrating Turkish military technology, Pakistani nuclear capabilities, and Saudi financial support could shift the strategic balance, not just in South Asia but also in West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean.
How Realistic Is an ‘Islamic NATO’?
Despite the discussions, some experts question the viability of a NATO-like alliance among Islamic states. They suggest Gulf nations may be hesitant to engage in automatic military responses that might involve them in conflicts peripheral to their national interests, such as those involving Israel or regional rivalries.
However, recent conflicts and perceived vulnerabilities have started to alter entrenched security perceptions in parts of the Arab world, leading to talks about increased self-reliance and collective defense strategies.
Strategic Uncertainty Ahead
While it remains to be seen if an official "Islamic NATO" will take shape, the military collaboration between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is under close scrutiny by New Delhi. Indian strategic planners view these developments as part of broader trends in emerging security blocs, which could complicate regional stability and necessitate carefully considered diplomatic and military actions.
For India, these evolving alliances underscore the need to bolster its strategic partnerships, improve its indigenous defense capabilities, and remain vigilant of new power dynamics unfolding in its extended neighborhood.
