Saudi Arabia Pakistan Mutual Defence Pact
The recent signing of a mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan marks shift in West Asia’s security landscape. This formal agreement follows decades of informal military cooperation. It comes amid rising regional tensions, doubts over U.S. security commitments, and ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran-backed Houthis, and shifting alliances.
Context of the Defence Pact
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have agreed that aggression against one will be considered aggression against both. The pact formalises joint military coordination, intelligence sharing, and expanded training programmes. Pakistan’s long-standing military presence in Saudi Arabia now gains a formal treaty framework. The agreement reflects Riyadh’s desire to diversify its security partnerships beyond the United States.
Terms and Military Cooperation
The pact establishes a joint military committee and permanent coordination mechanisms. It commits both nations to collective defence. While Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities are not explicitly part of the deal, Pakistani officials have suggested Saudi access could be possible. The pact strengthens intelligence cooperation and military training exchanges, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s security posture.
Timing and Regional Security Dynamics
The pact was announced shortly after Israel’s bombing of Qatar, signalling Saudi Arabia’s concerns over U.S. reliability. The U.S. is shifting focus towards East Asia and appears less willing to intervene in Gulf conflicts. Saudi Arabia faces multiple threats including Israel’s Gaza war spillover, Iran-backed Houthi missile attacks, and stalled Israel-Gulf normalisation efforts. Pakistan’s military manpower and Islamic credentials offer Riyadh a practical security partner.
Implications for West Asia
The agreement challenges the previous U.S.-led security architecture in the Gulf. Riyadh’s demand for Palestinian statehood as a precondition for Israel ties contrasts with Israel’s opposition. This stalls the Abraham Accords expansion. Saudi Arabia’s turn to Pakistan sends a message to Washington and Tel Aviv that it is diversifying alliances. However, Pakistan risks entanglement in regional rivalries and conflicts, while Saudi Arabia may face instability linked to South Asia.
India’s Strategic Concerns
India’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and Israel face new complexities. India has economic, energy, and diaspora interests in Saudi Arabia. The pact signals Riyadh’s willingness to tilt towards Pakistan despite India’s concerns. India’s pro-Israel stance contrasts with Saudi Arabia’s pro-Pakistan move. This could reduce India’s influence in the Gulf. India must navigate a multipolar regional order by maintaining balanced relations with Saudi Arabia, Gulf states, Iran, and Israel.
Broader Security and Economic Impact
The pact does not eliminate Saudi Arabia’s vulnerabilities to Iranian missile strikes or Houthi drone attacks but provides a hedge against uncertain U.S. support. For Pakistan, the deal offers financial support and regional relevance. The evolving Gulf security environment reflects diminishing U.S. dominance and rising regional power recalibration. Stability in the Gulf remains critical for global energy security and geopolitical balance.
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