Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact

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On 18 September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact, formalising a long-standing security partnership.
Key clause: “Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
India responded that it is aware of the development and will study implications for national security, regional and global stability.

Relevance:

GS II (IR): India’s neighbourhood and extended neighbourhood policy; Gulf–South Asia security ties.
GS III (Security): Defence diplomacy, India’s counter-strategy to China–Pakistan–Saudi axis.
GS III (Economy/Energy): Energy security (Saudi oil imports), diaspora (2.7M Indians in Saudi Arabia).

Nature: Mutual defence & security agreement.
Coverage: Joint deterrence against aggression; enhances military training, arms cooperation, intelligence sharing.
Roots: Ties since the 1960s → Pakistani troops stationed in Saudi Arabia during crises (e.g., Yemen war, Grand Mosque seizure 1979).
Symbolism: First time a formal written defence pact has been signed between the two nations.

Saudi–Pakistan Strategic Angle

Military: Pakistan provides training, manpower (e.g., pilots, trainers, advisors).
Financial: Saudi aid kept Pakistan’s economy and nuclear programme afloat (e.g., post-1971 defeat, $300M in 1974, continuous oil credit lines).
Geopolitics: Pact reflects convergence against regional threats (Iran, Israel, instability in Yemen).
Symbolism: Elevates Saudi Arabia as a regional security provider and Pakistan as a trusted defence ally.

Implications for India

Security:
- Pakistan may leverage Saudi support diplomatically in Kashmir/at OIC.
- Pact could embolden Pakistan’s military stance against India.
Energy & Economy:
- Saudi Arabia is India’s 2nd-largest oil supplier (FY 2023–24: $42.9B imports).
- 2.7M Indians work in Saudi Arabia (remittances + diaspora leverage).
Diplomacy:
- Saudi–India relations improving since 2006 Riyadh Declaration → 2010 Strategic Partnership.
- High-level visits by Modi (2016, 2019, 2024) deepened defence & counterterrorism ties.
- MEA has taken a cautious stance, reiterating commitment to “comprehensive national security.”

Regional & Global Dimensions

Middle East Power Shifts: Pact comes amid OIC summit (Sept 15, 2025) condemning Israel’s actions.
US Angle: Past US cables (WikiLeaks 2007) flagged Saudi interest in joint nuclear/missile projects with Pakistan.
China Angle: Both countries already part of China-led forums (e.g., SCO). This pact complements the China–Pakistan nexus, potentially complicating India’s strategic environment.
Balancing Act: Saudi needs India for economy/energy security and Pakistan for military/security backup.

India’s Policy Challenges

Balancing energy & diaspora ties with Saudi Arabia while managing security risks from Pak–Saudi axis.
Leveraging strategic partnerships with Gulf states (UAE, Oman, Qatar) to counterbalance.
Using defence diplomacy (joint drills, counter-terrorism cooperation) to keep Riyadh engaged.

Strategic Caution: Continue engagement with Riyadh without overreacting to pact.
Energy Diplomacy: Secure long-term oil & green hydrogen contracts with Saudi.
Diaspora Leverage: Use Indian workforce as a stabilising factor in bilateral ties.
Defence Outreach: Expand India–Saudi joint defence training, naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Multilateral Platforms: Push stronger India–Gulf cooperation via I2U2, G20, SCO, etc.