Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact, reinforcing a security partnership that has lasted for decades. The agreement, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh, aims to deepen defense cooperation and provide joint deterrence against aggression. Under the pact, an attack on either country will be treated as an attack on both.
The signing follows an extraordinary joint session of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, during which member states condemned Israel’s recent strike on Doha, Qatar’s capital. The incident, which targeted officials from the Palestinian armed group Hamas, heightened Gulf concerns about the United States’ ability to guarantee their security.
India, which engaged in a brief conflict with Pakistan in May, said it will assess the implications of the pact for its national security and regional stability. New Delhi was already aware of the growing security ties between Riyadh and Islamabad and knew the defense agreement was under negotiation. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India will examine how the development affects its security interests and the broader region.
Military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan dates back more than half a century, with thousands of Saudi officers receiving training in Pakistan. The partnership remains active through ongoing training programs and joint exercises. A senior Saudi official described the new deal as “the culmination of years of discussions,” not a reaction to any specific country or event, and emphasized that Saudi‑India relations are strong and will continue to grow, contributing to regional peace.
The mutual defense pact marks a significant strengthening of the Saudi‑Pakistan security alliance. As the region navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, the agreement is likely to influence both regional and global stability. With India closely monitoring the situation, the next steps will be watched closely by neighboring countries and international observers.
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