How Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey pact raises terror concerns for Delhi

Beyond the military implications of closer ties between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, Indian security agencies are also likely to closely monitor the potential impact of the emerging alignment on terrorism and terror financing targeting India.

Concerns have been raised over the activities of Turkey-based operatives and their alleged links with Pakistan-based militant networks. According to the claims cited in the report, Red Fort bombing suspect Umar Un Nabi and his associate Muzammil Shakil had travelled to Ankara in 2022 and met handlers linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

The November 10, 2025 blast outside Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station killed at least 15 people and injured another 20. Nabi allegedly detonated TATP explosives near the station, with investigators examining whether the attack was linked to a wider terror network.

Turkey’s alleged role in facilitating extremist activity has also drawn attention in earlier cases. In August 2022, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the detention of a Central Asian national allegedly recruited by an Islamic State operative based in Turkey to carry out a suicide attack in India. According to the information shared with Indian authorities, the suspect had been radicalised online before receiving suicide-bombing training in Istanbul.

The possibility of Turkey-based operatives supporting attacks against India is particularly significant given the long-standing presence of Pakistan-based militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Saudi Arabia’s past terror-financing concerns

Pakistan-based militant groups have historically sought financial support in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

One prominent example cited in connection with LeT is Hyderabad-born Mahmoud Ahmed Bahaziq, who was accused of raising funds for the group in Saudi Arabia and was designated by the United Nations as a terrorist in 2008.

Indian security agencies have also previously raised concerns over efforts by Pakistan’s intelligence establishment to exploit sections of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf for radicalisation and recruitment.

Saudi authorities subsequently took steps to curb activities linked to Pakistan’s militant networks, limiting the ability of groups targeting India to operate openly in the kingdom.

Could closer ties change the equation?

The emerging relationship between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey could nevertheless create new concerns for Indian agencies, particularly if Pakistan-based militant groups attempt to exploit stronger links among the three countries for fundraising, recruitment or logistical support.

Pakistan’s intelligence establishment has historically benefited from financial support originating in the Gulf, particularly during the Afghan conflict in the 1980s and 1990s. Funds channelled through Pakistan and other networks contributed to the growth of militant infrastructure in Afghanistan, including networks associated with Al-Qaeda and groups such as LeT and JeM.

Whether the current Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey alignment could create opportunities for militant groups to revive such networks remains uncertain. However, the evolving geopolitical relationship is likely to prompt increased scrutiny from Indian intelligence and security agencies over potential terror financing, recruitment and operational links targeting India.