Mapusa, Aug. 20 -- Former Union Minister MJ Akbar sought US clarity over the future direction of the recent "Mecca Pact," seeking clear answers on whether the military agreement is evolving into an "Islamic NATO."

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Akbar directly addressed recent endorsements made by US President Donald Trump, who hailed the trilateral security arrangement as a "big, bold, and important first step."

Reflecting on the US President's statements, Akbar questioned the broader strategy driving the deal.

"President Trump has also described the recent Mecca Pact, and he did so perhaps in the last 24 or 48 hours, as a big, bold, and important first step. The question is, what is the second step? The question is, where is this pact ...