Muslim NATO Formed; India Should Be Cautious

August 10, 2026

The Gulf countries are currently experiencing intense tensions due to the US-Iran war. Amidst this tension, the three countries: Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have reached the “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.” This agreement is also being called “Muslim NATO.” The agreement envisions joint purchases of modern weapons, mutual exchange of defense purchases, and a strategy for mutual security support when necessary.

Both Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asif Munir were keen to broker this agreement. Pakistan already has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Now, a major country like Turkey has also joined this agreement. Under this agreement, an attack on one will be considered an attack on all three countries, and all three will respond jointly.

Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Salman, and Turkish President Erdogan signed this agreement at a joint defense conference in Mecca. According to a joint statement, this defense agreement will enhance collective deterrence against aggression. The agreement has three main points: joint training, security coordination, and strategic cooperation.

The agreement is significant because Saudi Arabia is a major economic power. Pakistan has a large army and nuclear capabilities, and Turkey possesses advanced defense technology, drones, and a strong defense industry. Turkey’s accession has given vitality to this organization, as Turkey is also a NATO member. It has a large army, a strong defense industry, and advanced military technology. Turkey manufactures drones, missiles, warships, and armored vehicles.

This agreement is not surprising, as Turkey already has defense and technical cooperation with Pakistan. Now Turkey will provide technology, Pakistan will provide military capability and Saudi Arabia will provide economic and strategic support. All three countries are not negligible in terms of power, hence if this alliance is implemented honestly, it will definitely affect the balance of power in West Asia and South Asia.

India falls in South Asia. Only an agreement has been made so far, it will be implemented after deciding the future terms. Apart from this, Saudi Arabia is forming a maritime defense alliance of 14 countries. Bangladesh has also joined it. This maritime defense agreement will keep an eye on the trade i.e. supply of oil and gas on important routes like Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden.

Consider this: the real dispute is about tariffs on oil ships. The US has directly clashed with Iran over this issue in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, this three-nation coalition has also jumped into the fray and will stake its claim on tariff transactions.

The three-nation Muslim NATO, on one hand, and the 14-nation Maritime Defense Alliance, on the other, represent a new shift in global politics. Iran sarcastically calls this a paper agreement, arguing that if it is reached, Iran’s power to levy tariffs in the Strait of Hormuz will be diminished.

India is watching this new development carefully. A group of radical Islamic countries is not beneficial for India. India is a major consumer of oil and gas. Gulf countries are major suppliers of oil and gas to India. If India plays its diplomatic cards well, it will not be affected by Muslim threats.

These countries will not interfere with India’s demand-driven economy, despite Pakistan’s stance. India should also not change its dealings with Saudi Arabia or Turkey, as we are import-based economies and are major buyers of oil and gas from these countries.