The new mutual defence agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad draws a measured response from New Delhi, which vows to protect its interests amid a recalibrating regional order.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – In a landmark development that is set to recalibrate the geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the Middle East, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have formally signed a strategic mutual defence pact. The agreement, one of the most consequential in Pakistan’s recent history, binds the two nations to consider an attack on either as an aggression against both.
The signing of the Pakistan Saudi Arabia defence pact comes at a critically volatile time, just days after an Israeli strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders, sending shockwaves through Gulf nations traditionally under the US security umbrella. This event underscored the pressing need for regional powers to forge independent security alliances.
The Core of the Agreement
Dubbed the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” the pact was inked by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the latter’s high-profile visit to Riyadh. The Pakistani delegation was notably robust, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, highlighting the deal’s supreme importance to PAK.
A joint statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) declared the pact aims to “develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.” It unambiguously states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
India’s Measured Response: A Statement of Strategic Caution
The development has been met with strategic caution in New Delhi, a key regional player and economic partner for Saudi Arabia. In its official response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged it was “aware” that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had been considering such a pact.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government will “study the implications” of the agreement. Most significantly, he emphasized that India “will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and ensure comprehensive national security in all domains.”
This statement reflects New Delhi’s underlying concerns. Analysts suggest India will be closely monitoring whether this pact could alter the military balance in South Asia or embolden Pakistan diplomatically. The Indian response is deliberately measured, avoiding overt alarmism while clearly signalling that its security calculus is independent and robust.
Five Key Implications of the Pact
- A New Security Architecture: This agreement moves beyond decades of informal cooperation, formally institutionalizing Pakistan’s role in the security architecture of West Asia. It marks a pivot towards a more multipolar defence framework in the region.
- Deterrence and Diplomacy: The pact serves as a powerful message of joint deterrence, aimed at potential adversaries. It also formalizes Saudi Arabia’s proven role as a key diplomatic player, reminiscent of its past efforts in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.
- Regional Tensions as a Backdrop: The timing is inextricably linked to the recent escalation in Gaza and the direct strike on Qatari soil. For Gulf states, this pact with a capable military power like Pakistan represents a strategic hedge against uncertainty and a step towards self-reliant security.
- The Delicate India-Saudi-Pakistan Triangle: The pact introduces a new variable into the complex relationship between the three nations. India will be keen to ensure its strong, growing economic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia—evidenced by high-level visits and energy partnerships—remain insulated from the latter’s deepened defence cooperation with Pakistan.
- Economic and Strategic Depth: For Pakistan, this solidifies the kingdom’s role as a bulwark of economic and strategic support. With over 2.5 million PAK nationals in Saudi Arabia and longstanding economic aid, the defence pact adds a crucial military layer to this deep-rooted partnership.
Looking Ahead
The Pakistan Saudi Arabia defence pact is more than a bilateral agreement; it is a strategic statement. It reflects a collective desire among regional powers to take charge of their security destiny amidst a rapidly evolving global order. As tensions continue to simmer, the world will be watching how this powerful alliance influences the delicate balance of power, with India’s next steps being a critical factor in the regional response.
