Pak-Saudi Defence Pact: “Attack On One Is Attack On Both”

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a historic mutual defence pact that elevates their already close ties into a formal strategic alliance.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia cemented their defence ties with a new pact declaring that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” While Islamabad hails it as a milestone in regional security, India has responded cautiously, saying it will study implications for national and global stability.

In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Riyadh.A key clause in the agreement declares that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” effectively upgrading the existing strategic partnership into a formal defence alliance.

The signing ceremony took place at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh where Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to the joint statement, the two leaders reviewed their “historic and strategic ties” and discussed various regional and global issues of common interest.

For Pakistan, the pact is seen as a major diplomatic and security win, providing it with an additional security guarantee from the Gulf kingdom. For Saudi Arabia, deepening defence cooperation with Pakistan builds on decades of military collaboration, including joint training, intelligence sharing, and past military deployments.

India’s Cautious Response

In reaction to the development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that such a pact was long under discussion between the two countries.“We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability.

The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains,” the official statement read.

This signals that while New Delhi is not surprised by the pact, it will carefully evaluate how it might influence security dynamics in South Asia and the Middle East.

Did You Know?”

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s pact was signed as threats in the Middle East are rising, signaling joint readiness against regional aggressors.

The agreement comes as Saudi Arabia is reportedly exploring advanced military technologies, and Pakistan is already regarded as one of its closest defense partners.

India’s measured response stressed the pact does not alter its bilateral relations with Riyadh, but Indian analysts are watching implications for security dynamics closely.

Pakistan contributes military advisors and trainers, with regular joint drills held annually in both countries, now more formalized than ever before.

The joint statement also highlighted increased discussion on trade and economic ties, not just defense cooperation, as part of this upgraded alliance

Regional Implications

The pact underscores a shifting security balance in West and South Asia. With rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and the persistence of instability in Afghanistan, the Saudi-Pakistani alliance signals a strategic consolidation.

Analysts believe that this defence cooperation could also influence broader global equations, especially considering Saudi Arabia’s ties with the US, China, and its role in OPEC, alongside Pakistan’s long-standing strategic alignment with China.

Conclusion

This mutual defence pact between Islamabad and Riyadh marks a new chapter in their bilateral relationship. While both countries call it a step toward strengthening regional stability, its true impact will unfold in the coming months as neighbours, especially India and Iran, gauge the shift in security dynamics.

@Parahsars