Why in News:
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad’s nuclear capability would be available to Saudi Arabia under their new defence pact, the first clear acknowledgment of a “nuclear umbrella”. The accord, signed this week, vows mutual defence amid regional tensions.
Description:
- Signed in September 2025 during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh.
- Declares: “Aggression against one will be considered aggression against both.”
- Formalises a mutual defence commitment → first such pact between an Arab nation and a nuclear-armed state (Pakistan).
Background & Context
- Historic ties: Since 1960s → Pakistani troop deployments, advisory roles, training of Saudi forces.
- Institutionalisation: 1982 Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement.
- Pakistani forces aided in 1979 Mecca Grand Mosque crisis.
- Saudi Arabia → major arms buyer, financier; Pakistan → provider of manpower & training.
- Recent developments:
- Israel’s strike in Qatar (2025) + waning US security umbrella.
- Saudi Arabia seeking regional security assurances.
Significance of the Pact
- For Pakistan:
- Secures Saudi investments amid fiscal crisis.
- Enhances military standing in the Islamic world.
- Possible indirect access to US weapons via Saudi funding.
- For Saudi Arabia:
- Strengthens defence against Iran, Houthi militias, regional instability.
- Signals strategic autonomy from the US.
- Geopolitical shift:
- First Arab–nuclear power defence pact.
- Adds a new dimension to West Asian security.
India’s Response
- Cautious & measured.
- MEA: “Aware of long-standing ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
- India will study implications for national security & regional stability.
- Reaffirmed commitment to safeguard India’s interests.
Saudi Arabia–India Relations (for balance)
- Trade:
- Saudi Arabia = India’s 5th-largest trading partner.
- FY 2023–24 trade = USD 42.98 bn (Exports: USD 11.56 bn; Imports: USD 31.42 bn).
- Strategic Milestones:
- 2006: Delhi Declaration (King Abdullah’s visit).
- 2010: Riyadh Declaration → Strategic Partnership.
- 2016: PM Modi received Saudi’s highest civilian honour (King Abdulaziz Sash).
- Crisis Diplomacy:
- Condemned Pulwama (2019) & Pahalgam terror attack (2025).
- Avoided criticism on Article 370 abrogation & Balakot strikes.
- It often plays a mediator role between India & Pakistan.
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