Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed advancements in formalizing a multilateral defence alliance among Muslim-majority states, referred to as the Islamic NATO. This initiative, which includes Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, could soon see Qatar and Turkey joining, aiming to create a unified military and economic framework to enhance regional security. Asif emphasized the need for such an arrangement to minimize reliance on external powers. The concept gained traction following Israel's missile strikes on Qatar in September 2025, highlighting the vulnerabilities among Gulf states and the necessity for a coordinated security mechanism. The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, established last year, serves as a foundation for this alliance, with potential implications for Gulf security dynamics and intra-Gulf relations. For India, the emergence of the Islamic NATO poses strategic challenges, particularly with Pakistan's nuclear capabilities potentially emboldening its stance in regional conflicts. India must navigate its diplomatic ties with Gulf nations while considering the alliance's influence on energy security and regional stability. The evolving situation necessitates a comprehensive strategy from India to address these new multilateral dynamics.