New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan have signed a Nato-like security pact wherein an attack against any one would be considered an attack on all.

Since Riyadh has borne Tehran's hostility despite distancing itself from the US war against Iran, it is most in need of what the trio describe as joint deterrence. It may hope that a Nato member with a large army and a nuclear power on its side will shield it, but Tehran has said it wouldn't be deterred.

How it reshapes power equations in the Islamic world will be keenly watched. Its effect extends to South Asia too. It would raise the stakes in any India-Pakistan conflict, even though New Delhi has strengthened ties with Riyadh.

As Ankara has a record of support for Isla...