Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have entered into the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The pact establishes a collective defence framework that Iran has been offered to join and is now considering. The move happens during continuing Saudi-Houthi friction.
Commentators liken the new alliance to a Muslim Nato or to the old Baghdad Pact. India has dismissed the deal. An Indian official raised doubts over what the agreement has achieved during current military situations in the member countries. The statement implies New Delhi is doubtful about the actual usefulness of the pact.