Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Global issues, Issue: Implications of the Saudi-Pakistan pact.
Context:
On 17 September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA).The pact comes amid regional flux: Israel-Iran tensions, Gulf security challenges, and shifting great power dynamics.
Key Highlights:
Key Provisions of the Pact:
- Any aggression against either country will be considered aggression against both.
- Moves Pakistan from an informal security partner to a formal alliance partner of Saudi Arabia.
- It is similar in spirit to NATO’s collective defence framework.
Historical Background:
- 1940s: KSA’s Prince Faisal supported Pakistan’s demand for independence. KSA was among the first states to recognize Pakistan.
- 1967 Defence Agreement: Allowed Pakistani officers to modernize and advise Saudi forces.
- KSA supported Pakistan in Cold War era as a counter to pro-Israel threats. It offered strong backing during 1971 Bangladesh War and after Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests.
Saudi-Pakistan Defence Relations:
- Pakistan has historically been KSA’s “number one friend in the world.”
- Pakistani military has trained and supported Saudi armed forces.
- Saudi financial aid has been critical for Pakistan’s economy and defence modernization.
- The 2025 pact institutionalizes this partnership amid regional security concerns.
Recent Shifts in Saudi-India Relations:
- KSA and India have strengthened ties in the last decade with trade and energy cooperation and neutral KSA stance on India’s abrogation of Article 370 (2019).
- India-Saudi partnership has been driven by energy, trade, diaspora, and strategic convergence.
Implications for Pakistan:
- Military Strengthening: Access to Saudi funding and equipment.
- Strategic Legitimacy: Greater weight in the Muslim world.
- Diplomatic Leverage: May embolden Pakistan on Kashmir and India-related issues.
- Regional Role: Could position Pakistan as a bridge between Gulf and South Asia.
Implications for India:
| Challenges | Opportunities |
| Pakistan may gain more resources and diplomatic backing.KSA could tilt more towards Pakistan in India-Pakistan disputes.India’s strategic engagement in the Gulf may face greater competition. | India’s strong economic clout and strategic autonomy still make it indispensable for Riyadh.Shared concerns about terrorism, energy security, and regional stability can ensure cooperation continues.India can position itself as a balancing power in Gulf geopolitics. |
Way ahead for India:
- Engage Riyadh Proactively: Deepen political and defence consultations to prevent drift towards Pakistan.
- Strengthen Gulf Partnerships: Broaden ties with UAE, Oman, Qatar to balance Saudi-Pakistan nexus.
- Leverage Economic Power: Use India’s role as a major energy consumer and trade partner for strategic advantage.
- Security Cooperation: Enhance intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation with Gulf states.
- Diplomatic Strategy: Promote India as a stabilizer in West Asia, emphasizing multipolarity and regional security.
Conclusion:
While the pact strengthens Pakistan’s military and diplomatic hand, India’s economic, strategic, and political weight in West Asia remains substantial.India must carefully balance relations, ensuring Gulf states’ alignment with New Delhi’s long-term interests.
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