GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence agreement that signals a major realignment in West Asian security politics. The pact comes at a time of U.S. strategic disengagement, Israel’s expanding regional conflicts, and Gulf states seeking new security partners.
Key Features of the Defence Pact
- Collective defence clause: Any act of aggression against one will be treated as an attack on both.
- Security cooperation: Includes joint military mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building exercises.
- Formalisation of old ties: Converts decades of informal security cooperation into a structured strategic partnership.
- Timing: Signed soon after Israel’s strikes on Qatar, shaking confidence in U.S. security guarantees in the Gulf.
Strategic Motivations
For Pakistan:
- Seeks economic and financial assistance from Riyadh amid economic instability.
- Hopes to revive defence ties and secure investment and aid.
For Saudi Arabia:
- Gains access to Pakistan’s trained military manpower.
- Benefits from Pakistani experience in asymmetric warfare and defence technologies.
Historical Context
- Pakistan has long stationed troops in Saudi Arabia for internal security.
- Saudi Arabia has allegedly provided financial support to Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes.
- Their relationship is grounded in religious affinity and security interdependence.
Regional Geopolitical Significance
- U.S. retrenchment from West Asia has created a security vacuum.
- Israel–Gaza conflict and volatile regional alignments are pushing Gulf monarchies to diversify security ties.
- Houthi rebel threats continue to endanger Saudi oil interests despite a fragile ceasefire in Yemen.
Strategic Messaging
The pact signals:
- Saudi Arabia’s move to reduce dependency on the U.S. and Israel for security.
- Greater Gulf alignment with Asian partners, particularly those with strong defence capabilities.
- Pakistan’s attempt to reclaim strategic relevance in West Asian geopolitics.
Risks and Challenges
- Pakistan may be drawn into Saudi–Iran rivalry or Yemen conflict.
- Sectarian fault lines could deepen due to Shia–Sunni polarisation.
- Saudi Arabia risks insecurity spillovers from Pakistan’s internal instability.
Implications for India
- May complicate India’s diplomatic balancing between Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel.
- Could influence:
- Energy security — India depends heavily on Saudi oil.
- Indian diaspora safety — 80 lakh Indians live in Gulf countries.
- Counter-terror cooperation — deeper Pak-Saudi military nexus may revive extremist networks.
- India’s strategic presence in the Gulf may face competition from Pakistan.