New Delhi: On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” a pivotal development in their nearly eight-decade-long partnership rooted in shared faith, values, and mutual trust. Signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening defence cooperation and joint deterrence against any aggression.
Key Details of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
The agreement, signed at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, was formalized by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. A joint statement released after the signing ceremony emphasized that the pact builds on a partnership grounded in “bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and shared strategic interests.” The agreement stipulates that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” signaling a robust commitment to mutual defence.
According to reports from Geo News and the Dawn newspaper, the pact aims to enhance bilateral security ties, contribute to regional and global peace, and develop aspects of defence cooperation. The agreement was signed in the presence of key Pakistani officials, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was also part of the delegation, underscoring the military significance of the pact.
The signing ceremony followed Prime Minister Sharif’s arrival in Riyadh, where he was warmly received by Riyadh Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz. This visit, the third by Sharif to the Gulf region within a week, highlights the deepening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. His earlier visits to Qatar on September 11 and September 15, 2025, were in response to Israel’s attack on Hamas leadership in Doha, reflecting the broader regional tensions that contextualize this agreement.
Regional Security Implications
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement has far-reaching implications for regional security, particularly for Saudi Arabia, which faces threats from Iran, Yemen’s Houthi militias, and Israel. The pact strengthens Saudi Arabia’s defences by aligning with Pakistan’s formidable military, which includes an army of over 600,000 soldiers and a nuclear arsenal. This agreement comes at a time when Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, are reevaluating their security frameworks due to plummeting confidence in the United States as a security guarantor, especially following Israel’s strikes on Qatar and its ongoing war in Gaza.
Analysts, including Hasan Alhasan, a senior fellow for Middle East Policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, note that the agreement addresses Saudi Arabia’s “strategic and conventional deterrence deficit” vis-à-vis nuclear-armed Israel. The pact also institutionalizes Pakistan’s role in West Asia’s security architecture, marking it as one of Pakistan’s most consequential defence agreements in decades.
Nuclear Dynamics and Concerns
A significant aspect of the agreement is its potential to extend Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about nuclear warfare in an already tense region. Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation, has historically maintained that its nuclear weapons are aimed solely at its long-term adversary, India. However, the agreement’s ambiguous language has sparked speculation about its nuclear implications.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif clarified to Reuters that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar” of the pact, emphasizing that the agreement is not intended for aggression but would become operative if either party is threatened. However, a senior Saudi official suggested to Reuters that the agreement is “comprehensive” and encompasses “all military means,” hinting at a de facto nuclear shield for Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government media office did not immediately clarify whether Pakistan’s nuclear weapons were explicitly included in the agreement.
This development has raised concerns in India, Iran, and potentially Israel, which is widely understood to be the only nuclear state in the Middle East, though it has neither confirmed nor denied possessing nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia has also indicated that it would pursue nuclear weapons if its rival, Iran, acquires them, further complicating the nuclear dynamics in the region.
Shifting Power Dynamics in West Asia
The agreement reflects a broader shift in West Asia’s geopolitical landscape, driven by diminishing confidence in U.S. security commitments. The U.S. has traditionally been the primary security guarantor for Gulf nations, but Israel’s recent actions, including its strikes on Qatar and its war in Gaza, have prompted Arab nations to seek alternative security arrangements. The Saudi-Pakistan pact could create a strategic vacuum, potentially allowing China to deepen its influence in the region.
For Pakistan, the agreement enhances its strategic clout in West Asia, aligning its nuclear-armed military with Saudi Arabia’s financial resources. This partnership could extend to other Gulf nations, as suggested by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, further reshaping regional alliances.
Implications for India
India, a key player in the region, has expressed cautious concern about the pact. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on September 18, 2025, noting that it was aware of the long-standing arrangement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and would study the implications for national security and regional stability. The MEA emphasized India’s commitment to protecting its national interests and ensuring comprehensive security across all domains.
The pact could serve as a strategic deterrence for Pakistan against India, particularly in the context of cross-border terrorism and potential military confrontations. India’s concerns are heightened by Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and the possibility of their extension to Saudi Arabia, which could alter the balance of power in the region.
India-Saudi Arabia Relations
India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic partnership formalized in 2010 through the Riyadh Declaration. Economically, India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner, while Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trading partner. In 2023, bilateral trade reached $42.98 billion, with India remaining a net importer. Saudi Arabia is also a significant contributor to India’s economy, accounting for 6.7% of India’s total inward remittances in 2024. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is India’s third-largest crude oil supplier, underscoring the importance of energy cooperation.
The defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could strain India-Saudi relations, particularly if it is perceived as tilting the regional balance against India. However, India’s robust economic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia are likely to mitigate any immediate fallout, with both nations continuing to prioritize mutual interests.
Context of the Agreement: Regional Tensions
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in the aftermath of an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim nations hosted by Qatar, following Israel’s military strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha. The summit, attended by nearly 60 members of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighted the growing threat perception among Gulf nations. Israel’s actions, including its unprecedented strikes on Qatar, have intensified regional tensions, prompting Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to formalize their defence cooperation.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif’s frequent visits to the Gulf—three within a week—reflect the urgency of addressing these security challenges. His visits to Qatar on September 11 and 15, 2025, were aimed at expressing solidarity with Doha and discussing the broader implications of Israel’s actions.
Top Five Takeaways from the Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact
- Formalization of Mutual Defence: The “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” stipulates that an attack on either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be considered an attack on both, formalizing a long-standing arrangement.
- High-Level Engagement: The pact was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with key Pakistani officials, including the army chief, in attendance.
- Enhanced Security Cooperation: The agreement aims to develop defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability.
- Geopolitical Shift: The pact marks a move away from U.S. security guarantees, potentially creating opportunities for China to expand its influence in West Asia.
- Implications for India: India will closely monitor the pact’s impact on its national security, given Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and the potential for strategic deterrence against India.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Pakistan-Saudi Relations
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone in their historic relationship. By aligning Pakistan’s military strength with Saudi Arabia’s financial resources, the pact reshapes the security architecture of West Asia, with implications for nuclear dynamics, regional stability, and global geopolitics. As India and other regional powers assess the fallout, the agreement underscores the evolving nature of alliances in a region marked by escalating tensions and shifting power dynamics.
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FAQs
1. What is the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, signed on September 17, 2025, is a landmark defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It stipulates that any aggression against either country will be considered an attack on both, aiming to enhance defence cooperation, strengthen joint deterrence, and contribute to regional and global peace. The agreement was formalized during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
2. What are the key objectives of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact?
The pact focuses on developing aspects of defence cooperation, enhancing bilateral security ties, and ensuring joint deterrence against any aggression. It builds on nearly eight decades of partnership rooted in shared faith, values, and strategic interests. The agreement aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defences against threats from Iran, Yemen’s Houthi militias, and Israel, while institutionalizing Pakistan’s role in West Asia’s security architecture.
3. Does the agreement involve Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities?
The agreement’s details are limited, and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that nuclear weapons are “not on the radar” of the pact. However, a senior Saudi official suggested that the agreement encompasses “all military means,” hinting at a potential nuclear shield for Saudi Arabia. This has raised concerns about nuclear warfare, given Pakistan’s status as the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation, though its nuclear doctrine is primarily aimed at India.
4. How does the pact impact India and regional stability?
India has expressed cautious concern, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating it will study the pact’s implications for national security and regional stability. The agreement could serve as a strategic deterrence for Pakistan against India, particularly in the context of cross-border terrorism. Regionally, it reflects a shift away from U.S. security guarantees, potentially creating a strategic vacuum for China to expand its influence in West Asia.
5. How does the agreement affect India-Saudi Arabia relations?
India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic partnership formalized in 2010 via the Riyadh Declaration, with strong economic ties (bilateral trade of $42.98 billion in 2023) and energy cooperation (Saudi Arabia is India’s third-largest crude oil supplier). While the pact may strain relations due to Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and potential deterrence against India, India’s robust economic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia are likely to mitigate immediate fallout.
