The recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal geo-strategic milestone for the Middle East and South Asia, with profound implications for the stability and security of these critical regions. The treaty, formalized on September 17 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh, represents a significant alignment of two influential powers.
While the agreement may appear to have been concluded swiftly, this perception is misleading. The timing of the pact is strategically significant, coinciding with Israeli military actions in Qatar and the subsequent Arab-Islamic extraordinary summit in Doha, signaling a calculated response to regional tensions.
Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have described the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement as “defensive” in nature. However, given Israel’s territorial ambitions at the expense of neighboring Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the timing of the agreement sends a clear message to Tel Aviv. It underscores a united front against potential aggressions in the region.
A cornerstone of the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Mutual Defence Agreement is the clause stating that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” This provision binds the two nations in a robust security pact, ensuring mutual military support in the event of an attack by a third party. This creates a formidable deterrent, as adversaries of either nation would face the combined military strength of both. Notably, Pakistan is one of the world’s leading military powers and one of only eight declared nuclear powers, amplifying the agreement’s weight.
For Saudi Arabia, this pact provides critical security assurances. With Pakistan’s commitment to defend Riyadh in the event of aggression, Saudi Arabia’s security is significantly bolstered. This development is crucial for the Kingdom, which, despite its efforts, can never be entirely certain of its security in the complex landscape of international relations. No state can fully guarantee its safety at any given moment, regardless of its arsenal or alliances. Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of this agreement reflects its proactive approach to safeguarding its interests, and the partnership with Pakistan is a decisive step in this direction.
Saudi Arabia currently faces multiple external threats, including attacks from Houthi militants in Yemen and potential challenges from Israel and Iran. The latter two nations, both seen as regional rivals, recently engaged in a limited conflict, with the United States providing military support to Israel. In the volatile arena of modern international relations, new adversaries can emerge unexpectedly due to shifting interests. Thus, Saudi Arabia’s strategy of forging strong alliances, like this one with Pakistan, is a prudent measure to enhance its resilience.
For Pakistan, the agreement yields substantial benefits, particularly in addressing its strategic challenges in South Asia. Pakistan’s primary adversary, nuclear-armed India, has been a persistent threat, with the two nations having fought four major wars and numerous smaller conflicts, including one in May 2025. The agreement’s mutual defence clause compels India to reconsider any aggressive actions against Pakistan, as such moves would now risk antagonizing Saudi Arabia, a key political and economic partner for India. Delhi’s cautious response, reflected in a statement from the Indian External Affairs Ministry evaluating the pact’s regional impact, underscores its surprise and concern. This diplomatic achievement highlights Pakistan’s ability to secure a strategic partnership beyond India’s influence.
Pakistan has faced significant financial constraints over the past decade, limiting its ability to enhance defence spending or acquire advanced weaponry. The United States, a traditional supplier of military hardware, has been reluctant to provide equipment due to political differences. In contrast, Saudi Arabia, a leading global spender on cutting-edge military technology, possesses a substantial arsenal, particularly in advanced air force capabilities. Historically, Pakistan has played a central role in training the Saudi Air Force, fostering deep military ties. Through this agreement, Pakistan gains potential access to Saudi military resources, which could offset its quantitative armament shortages. While Saudi Arabia’s military is smaller in personnel, its support to Pakistan in a conflict would likely focus on providing advanced weaponry rather than troops. Conversely, Pakistan’s larger military could offer personnel support to Saudi Arabia in times of need.
This agreement is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both nations. For Saudi Arabia, it enhances security through Pakistan’s military and nuclear capabilities. For Pakistan, it provides access to advanced weaponry and a powerful ally to deter regional rivals. The pact’s stabilizing influence extends beyond the two nations, fostering greater security in the Middle East and South Asia. By aligning their strategic interests, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have laid the foundation for a new era of regional cooperation and resilience.