BS EDIT: A new power axis in West Asia

By Business StandardPublished On Aug 11, 2026

A new alliance

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a defence pact based on collective security, signalling a deeper strategic alignment in West Asia

US influence tested

The pact reflects growing doubts about Washington’s security guarantees as regional conflicts expose limits to US power and protection

Three powers, one pact

The alliance combines Pakistan’s nuclear capability, Turkiye’s military strength and Saudi Arabia’s growing defence ambitions

A volatile region

Conflicts involving Israel, Iran and regional proxies are reshaping West Asia. The new alliance could add another strategic pole to the region

India faces new risks

The pact could complicate India’s ties with Arab states and add new dimensions to its security concerns, particularly over cross-border terrorism

Diplomacy must adapt

As West Asia’s alliances shift, India must carefully balance its ties with Israel, Arab economies and its wider strategic interests