New Delhi,Sep.20,2025:The Saudi Arabia Pakistan Defence Pact has emerged as one of the most significant geopolitical developments of 2025. Signed recently, this agreement is not just a formal acknowledgement of decades-long ties but also a powerful military commitment between two Sunni-majority nations. While Pakistan brings nuclear capability and military experience, Saudi Arabia offers vast financial and energy resources–
For India, this pact poses fresh strategic challenges, especially in the backdrop of recent military skirmishes with Pakistan and growing Indian influence in the Middle East.
What is the Saudi Arabia Pakistan Defence Pact
The pact ensures mutual defense assistance, intelligence sharing, and deeper collaboration between the armies, navies, and air forces of both nations. Crucially, it states that an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both, effectively binding their security destinies.
This clause mirrors NATO-style commitments, making the deal a game-changer in the Gulf and South Asia.
Historical Ties Between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share a long-standing strategic relationship. Riyadh has repeatedly supported Islamabad in times of financial crisis, offering:
- Direct cash deposits into Pakistan’s central bank.
- Deferred oil payment schemes worth billions.
- Relief packages and investments during IMF negotiations.
In return, Pakistan has historically provided military training and security support to the Kingdom, including deploying troops during the Gulf conflicts.
Why This Pact is Different from Past Cooperation
While past support was mostly bilateral aid and military training, this pact formalizes the defense umbrella. It commits Saudi Arabia to back Pakistan militarily in case of external aggression, and vice versa.
This institutionalized alliance is being viewed as a turning point in Gulf security policy.
Benefits Pakistan Gains from the Pact
Financial Assistance
Pakistan’s struggling economy is expected to receive more Saudi financial lifelines, including oil payment relief and direct investments. In 2024 alone, Riyadh deposited $3 billion into Pakistan’s reserves to prevent a default.
Energy Security
Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s largest crude oil supplier. Under this pact, energy security guarantees become more robust, ensuring fuel supply stability even during crises.
Military Strengthening
Pakistan gains access to Saudi-funded defense modernization, allowing it to purchase advanced U.S. weaponry. Experts argue this could tilt South Asia’s military balance.
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Calculations
For Saudi Arabia, the pact provides a nuclear-backed security shield against regional adversaries, especially Iran.
It also strengthens Riyadh’s role as a regional power-broker, showcasing that it can rally allies beyond the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
How the Pact Impacts India’s Security Concerns
Military Implications
For India, the biggest concern is that military action against Pakistan may now trigger Saudi involvement. Analysts believe India will have to rethink unilateral strikes like past operations in Balakot or recent Operation Sindoor.
Economic and Diaspora Concerns
Over 2 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, sending back billions in remittances. In case of strained ties, this diaspora could become vulnerable.
Kashmir and Terrorism Angle
India fears that Pakistan, emboldened by Saudi backing, may escalate support for cross-border militancy in Jammu & Kashmir.
Expert Opinions and Global Reactions
- Khawaja Asif (Pakistan’s Defense Minister): Called the pact a “historic brotherhood moment.”
- Husain Haqqani (Former Ambassador): Warned that Pakistan may now use Saudi money to purchase U.S. weapons.
- Maliha Lodhi (Diplomat): Believes this opens the door for other Arab states to sign similar agreements.
- Elizabeth Threlkeld (Stimson Center): Argues it strengthens Pakistan’s financial and energy security.
Possible Involvement of Other Arab Nations
Analysts suggest countries like UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain might consider joining similar pacts, thereby building a Sunni defense bloc. This could further isolate Iran and reshape regional power balances.
The Israel Factor and Regional Security
The pact comes amid Israel’s military strikes in Gaza and Doha, escalating tensions across the Arab world. Many experts argue that Riyadh’s move signals a stronger Arab defense alignment.
Future Scenarios- Opportunities and Risks
- For Pakistan: More financial and military backing, but risk of entanglement in Middle East conflicts.
- For Saudi Arabia: Nuclear deterrence by association, but risk of straining ties with India.
- For India: Need to balance Middle East diplomacy carefully, strengthen defense ties with Gulf rivals of Pakistan.
The Saudi Arabia Pakistan Defence Pact is more than just a treaty—it’s a strategic realignment in the Gulf and South Asia. While Pakistan sees this as a jackpot for financial and defence gains, India must navigate the new reality cautiously.
The coming months will reveal whether this alliance deepens into a lasting military partnership or remains a symbolic gesture. Either way, its implications for regional security, India’s foreign policy, and global power equations are undeniable.
