In a game-changing geopolitical move, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”, pledging that any aggression against one will be treated as an attack on both. The historic pact was inked in Riyadh during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit at the invitation of Crown Prince and Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Issuing a joint statement, both nations declared:
“Building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani prime minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.”
The statement further underscored:
“The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
This pact marks a dramatic shift from informal defence ties to a structured military alliance, strengthening joint deterrence in the region. With Pakistan being the only Islamic nation with nuclear weapons, reports suggest Saudi Arabia could now gain access to Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella, raising eyebrows across the world.
India is watching closely. Analysts warn the agreement could embolden Islamabad’s stance on Kashmir, potentially dragging Saudi Arabia into disputes with New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs reacted cautiously, saying:
“We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual Defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. 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 timing of the pact is crucial. It comes just months after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, leading India to launch Operation Sindoor, striking nine high-value terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoK. Pakistan retaliated with counterstrikes, escalating tensions. India then rolled out ‘Operation Sindoor Outreach’, sending delegations—including one led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda—to expose Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism to the world, including in Saudi Arabia.
Now, Riyadh’s defence pact with Islamabad changes the regional calculus. For Pakistan, it acts as a strategic shield. For Saudi Arabia, it signals Islamic solidarity and military leverage amid Middle East tensions. For India, it poses a serious new challenge.
