Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement under which they have clearly stated that aggression towards one country will be considered as an aggression towards both. The deal was signed in Riyadh on Wednesday during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, which was at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
‘Defence deal to protect Pak against India, Israel’: Pak journalist
According to Pak journalist Hamid Mir, given the situation in the Middle East, the pact highlights Pakistan’s emergence as a new power capable of working with both Middle Eastern and South Asian countries “to protect them against India and Israel”, Geo TV reported. M
Mir added that two more countries are expected to sign similar agreements with Pakistan. He also pointed out that recent events show even American bases are not completely safe from Israeli actions, marking a major political shift.
While the pact does not directly involve the US, it is seen as a strategic move against Israel, which is India’s close ally. Mir described it as a strategic win for Pakistan but also a responsibility to meet Saudi Arabia’s expectations.
What does it mean for India?
Saudi Arabia, aware of how the new defence pact with Pakistan might be perceived, quickly clarified that it has nothing to do with its relations with India. Officials stressed that Riyadh’s partnership with New Delhi is “more robust” than ever and will continue to grow, with both sides working together for regional peace.
There is no doubt that India and Saudi Arabia share close economic and cultural ties. Saudi is in fact India’s fourth-largest trading partner, while India ranks as the Riyadh’s second-largest partner. Reports suggest that in the year 2024–25, their trade reached nearly USD 41.9 billion.
In comparison, trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is much smaller, which is reportedly just about USD 3-4 billion. This makes it unlikely that Riyadh would take steps that might not be in India’s interests.
Strategic importance for Pakistan – A power shift in South Asia and Middle East?
Defence analyst Sohail Muhammad Ali called the deal, the most significant in Pakistan’s history. He noted that while Pakistan has been part of US-led alliances before, this agreement is unique due to its binding clause protecting both countries against any aggression.
Ali highlighted three key points why this agreement has come at the right time:
- Current global environment of unilateral aggression
- Violations of international law
- Infringements on sovereignty
He further added that the pact, signed just two days after a special meeting in Doha, reflects recognition of Pakistan’s defence strength under Army Chief General Asim Munir, especially following Pakistan’s recent victory against India.
The agreement clearly shows that Saudi Arabia trusts Pakistan as a reliable partner and acknowledges it as a capable Muslim power that can promote peace and stability across South Asia and the Middle East. It effectively turns the Pakistan–Saudi relationship into a formal security commitment.