Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Formalize Mutual Defense Pact
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defense pact, strengthening their decades-long security partnership. The agreement, signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, states that any attack on either country is considered an aggression against both, enhancing joint deterrence. India, which recently clashed with Pakistan, has expressed concerns about the implications for regional stability.
The move follows an extraordinary joint session between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where member states condemned last week’s Israeli attack on the Qatari capital, Doha, targeting officials from Palestinian armed group Hamas. Reports indicate the incident raised concerns among Gulf nations about the United States’ ability to guarantee their security.
According to the deal, any attack against Saudi Arabia or Pakistan shall be considered an aggression against both. The joint statement by Riyadh and Islamabad emphasized the shared commitment to enhance security and achieve peace in the region and the world. This agreement aims to develop defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.
India, which fought a four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May following a terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, has stated it will study the, the implications of this development for its national security as well as regional and global stability. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal noted that New Delhi was aware of the security ties between Riyadh and Islamabad and knew that a defense pact between them had been in the works.
A senior Saudi official told Reuters that the deal with Pakistan was a culmination of years of discussions, not a response to specific countries or events. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s relationship with India is more robust than ever and that they will continue to grow this relationship to contribute to regional peace.
Military ties between Riyadh and Islamabad date back over half a century, with thousands of Saudi officers receiving training in Pakistan. The defense partnership remains active through training programs and joint exercises.