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Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact: What It Means for India



On 17 September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh. The pact declares that “any aggression against either country will be considered aggression against both.” For the first time, the two nations have formalised their military partnership, raising important questions about its regional impact — especially for India.

Understanding the Pact

  • Nature: Defensive alliance, aimed at protecting sovereignty and deterring aggression.

  • Scope: Includes political, military, and intelligence cooperation; full details remain confidential.

  • Nuclear Ambiguity: Pakistan’s Defence Minister hinted that all military capabilities would be available if required — sparking speculation about a potential nuclear umbrella for Saudi Arabia.

  • Future Expansion: Pakistan has indicated that other Arab states may join the pact, widening its scope beyond bilateral ties.

Why Saudi Arabia Needs It

  • To diversify security guarantees beyond the U.S., amid Washington’s shifting focus to Asia-Pacific.

  • To counter regional threats from Iran, Houthis, and other non-state actors.

  • To tap Pakistan’s military experience — Pakistan has historically trained Saudi forces and provided security for the Kingdom.

Why Pakistan Benefits

  • Gains a prestigious role in Middle Eastern security.

  • Strengthens its strategic depth and gets diplomatic leverage against India.

  • Possible economic dividends, as Saudi Arabia remains a key investor and source of remittances for Pakistan.

Implications for India

1. Security Concerns

Pakistan is India’s main rival. The pact may embolden Islamabad, making it feel shielded under Saudi support. Even if nuclear assets are not formally shared, the perception of extended deterrence could alter regional calculations.

2. Diplomatic Balancing

India has strong ties with both Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Saudi tilt toward Pakistan complicates New Delhi’s diplomacy. Riyadh is India’s top oil supplier and home to over 2.5 million Indian expatriates. Maintaining goodwill is crucial.

3. Geopolitical Shifts

  • India may lean closer to Iran, Saudi’s regional rival, for energy and strategic balance.

  • Stronger ties with U.S. and Israel may follow, as both are wary of Pakistan’s nuclear footprint expanding into the Middle East.

  • Regional polarization could emerge: Saudi–Pakistan axis vs India–Iran (with U.S.–Israel overlap).

4. Strategic Autonomy Test

India follows a policy of multi-alignment. Navigating this new defence bloc without losing Saudi goodwill will be a test of India’s diplomatic agility.

India’s Way Forward

  • Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthen dialogue with Saudi Arabia, ensuring India’s sensitivities are respected.

  • Economic Leverage: Expand trade and investment ties, making Saudi Arabia see India as indispensable.

  • Strategic Partnerships: Deepen ties with Iran, U.S., Israel, and Gulf neighbours to balance risks.

  • Military Preparedness: Remain alert to any shifts in Pakistan’s posture under the new alliance.

Conclusion

The Saudi–Pakistan defence pact is more than a bilateral agreement — it is a geopolitical signal. For India, the challenge is to manage uncertainties without overreacting. While the pact does not immediately threaten India, its long-term implications for South Asia and West Asia cannot be ignored.

India’s success will depend on maintaining strategic autonomy, strong diplomacy, and robust defence preparedness in an increasingly polarized world.