Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact: Key Details and India's Concerns Explained

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Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a new defence agreement that treats an attack on one as an attack on both, raising questions about regional security. This pact, agreed upon during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Riyadh, comes at a time of growing tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war and recent strikes. India is closely watching this development because of its strong ties with Saudi Arabia and ongoing issues with Pakistan, leading to statements from Indian officials about protecting national interests.

Key Points

1. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on September 17, 2025, during a meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh.
2. The pact says that any aggression against one country will be seen as aggression against both, aiming to strengthen joint defence and help bring peace to the region and the world.
3. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan's nuclear program could be shared with Saudi Arabia if needed, but later clarified that nuclear weapons are not part of the deal.
4. Asif also stated that Saudi Arabia would help Pakistan if India starts a war, though he said the pact is not meant for attacking anyone.
5. The agreement builds on old ties, starting from 1967 when Pakistan sent troops to help Saudi Arabia, and a 1982 security deal for training and support.
6. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it will study how this affects national security and expects Saudi Arabia to think about shared interests and sensitivities.
7. Saudi Arabia is India's second-biggest trade partner, with trade worth USD 42.98 billion in 2023-24, including Indian exports of USD 11.56 billion.
8. Pakistan has helped Saudi Arabia with military training and troops, especially after events like the 1979 mosque attack in Mecca.
9. The pact happens amid Middle East issues, like threats from Iran and Yemen's Houthis, and after Israel's recent strike in Qatar.
10. Experts say this could bring Pakistan's nuclear protection to the Middle East, changing security there, but India believes its ties with Saudi Arabia will stay strong.

Explained

What is the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?

This is a new defence pact signed on September 17, 2025, between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh, with Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir also there.

It says that if one country is attacked, it's like both are attacked, so they will help each other defend.

The goal is to make their defence stronger together, stop attacks, and help peace in the area and around the world, based on their long friendship as Muslim countries with shared goals.

Why Did Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign This Pact Now?

There are big problems in the Middle East, like the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has caused a lot of damage and made countries worried.

Saudi Arabia faces dangers from groups like the Houthis in Yemen, who attack with missiles, and from Iran, which is a rival.

Recently, Israel attacked in Qatar, killing people, which made Gulf countries feel unsafe and want stronger defence friends.

Pakistan needs money from Saudi Arabia because its economy is weak, and this pact can bring more help and investments.

What is the History of Ties Between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?

Their friendship started soon after Pakistan became a country in 1947, but defence help began in 1967 when Pakistan sent soldiers to help Saudi Arabia in a war with Egypt over Yemen.

In 1979, when rebels took over the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Pakistan's special forces helped Saudi troops fix the problem.

In 1982, they signed a security agreement for Pakistan to train Saudi pilots and sell weapons.

Saudi Arabia gave money to help Pakistan build its nuclear bombs, especially when the US stopped helping because of rules against nuclear weapons.

Today Saudi Arabia buys weapons from Pakistan and gets training, while Pakistan gets oil and money help.

What Did Pakistan's Defence Minister Say About the Pact?

Khawaja Asif told TV that Pakistan's nuclear weapons could be given to Saudi Arabia if they need them, as part of the deal.

He said Saudi Arabia would defend Pakistan if India attacks, but the pact is not for starting fights.

Later, he told media that nuclear weapons are not part of the talk right now, but the pact could include other Gulf countries too.

How Has India Reacted to This Pact?

India's External Affairs Ministry said they knew about the deal and will look at how it affects India's safety and peace in the area.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India expects Saudi Arabia to remember their shared interests and be careful with things that might worry India.

India will do what it needs to keep the country safe.

What Are India's Ties with Saudi Arabia Like?

India and Saudi Arabia are good friends, with trade worth about USD 43 billion last year, making Saudi India's fifth-biggest trade partner.

They signed important agreements like the Delhi Declaration in 2006 and Riyadh Declaration in 2010 to make their friendship stronger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in 2016 and got Saudi's top award, and they talk often about defence and business.

Recently, Saudi Arabia agreed to join India's big air show in 2025, and India sold them ammunition worth USD 225 million.

What Could This Pact Mean for India and the Region?

It might make India worry because if Pakistan and India fight, Saudi Arabia could help Pakistan, even though Saudi is friends with India too.

In the Middle East, it could mean Pakistan's nuclear protection helps Saudi against enemies like Iran or Israel, changing how safe the area feels.

But some say India shouldn't worry too much because Saudi still wants good ties with India for business and peace.

Overall, it shows how countries are making new friends for safety, but it could make things more tense if not handled carefully.

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