Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact, strengthening their decades-long security partnership. The agreement, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh, aims to enhance defense cooperation and joint deterrence against aggression. The pact states that any attack on either country will be considered an attack on both.
This development comes after an extraordinary joint session between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, where member states condemned Israel’s recent attack on the Qatari capital, Doha. The incident targeted officials from the Palestinian armed group Hamas and raised concerns among Gulf nations about the US’s ability to guarantee their security.
India, which fought a brief conflict with Pakistan in May, has said it will study the implications of the move on its national security and regional stability. New Delhi was aware of the security ties between Riyadh and Islamabad and had knowledge of the defense pact being in the works. According to Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, the country will examine the effects of this development on its national security and regional stability.
The military ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan date back over half a century, with thousands of Saudi officers receiving training in Pakistan. The defense partnership remains active through training programs and joint exercises. A senior Saudi official stated that the deal with Pakistan is “a culmination of years of discussions” and not a response to specific countries or events. The official also emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s relationship with India is robust and will continue to grow, contributing to regional peace.
The signing of the mutual defense pact marks a significant strengthening of the security partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. As the region continues to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, this agreement is likely to have implications for regional and global stability. With India monitoring the situation, the next steps will be closely watched by neighboring countries and international observers.
