Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Mutual Defence Pact, India to Study Implications
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, stipulating that any aggression against one nation will be considered an attack on both. The pact was signed in Riyadh during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit. It aims to formalize and strengthen long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it is aware of the development and will study its implications for national security and regional stability, remaining committed to protecting India's interests.
Unpacked:
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have maintained close defence ties for nearly eight decades, rooted in shared Islamic heritage and strategic interests. Pakistan has provided military training and advisory support to Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia has offered financial and energy assistance to Pakistan, making this formal pact a natural extension of their longstanding relationship.
The pact could heighten regional security concerns, especially for India, which is closely monitoring its implications. While Saudi Arabia maintains strong ties with India, the formalization of this alliance signals a deeper security alignment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, potentially influencing the strategic balance in South Asia and the Gulf.
While the agreement does not explicitly mention nuclear cooperation, Pakistan’s status as a nuclear-armed state adds symbolic deterrent value. A senior Saudi official described the pact as comprehensive, encompassing all military means, but clarified there is no explicit nuclear umbrella provision.
Operational details such as joint exercises, command coordination, and response protocols have not yet been disclosed. The agreement formalizes mutual defence obligations, but specific mechanisms for implementation are expected to be developed in future discussions.