Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formalized a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on September 17, 2025, in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in the security partnership between the two nations. The accord, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Al-Yamamah Palace, declares that any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.
The agreement emerges against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly following Israel's recent military strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, which has intensified security concerns among Gulf Arab states. The pact represents the first major defence decision by a Gulf Arab nation since these attacks and signals growing skepticism about the United States' reliability as a long-term security guarantor in the region.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif confirmed that his nation's nuclear capabilities would be made available to Saudi Arabia under the defence pact, marking the first explicit acknowledgment that Islamabad has placed the kingdom under its nuclear umbrella. "What we have, our capabilities, will absolutely be available under this pact," Asif stated in a television interview. This development brings Pakistan's estimated 170 nuclear warheads into the Middle East security equation for the first time.
The timing of the agreement is particularly significant, coming just a week after Israel's unprecedented attack on Qatar, which raised questions about Washington's ability to protect its regional allies. A senior Saudi official emphasized that the pact was not a reaction to specific events but rather the formalization of years of dialogue between the two countries. However, analysts widely interpret the deal as expressing regional frustration with the United States and serving as a hedge against perceived threats from Iran and Israel.
Both nations have maintained deep military cooperation for decades, with Pakistani forces historically providing training and operational support to Saudi Arabia. Since 1967, Pakistan has trained over 8,000 Saudi military personnel, and approximately 1,500 to 2,000 Pakistani troops are currently stationed in the kingdom. The new agreement formalizes this long standing relationship while adding a nuclear dimension that fundamentally alters regional security calculations.
The defence pact has drawn considerable attention from India, Pakistan's nuclear armed neighbor. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it would carefully examine the agreement's implications for national security and regional stability, emphasizing that India's strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia should consider "mutual interests and sensitivities". Geopolitical analyst Ian Bremmer noted that the pact "is going to change life for India, no question," particularly given the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, including a four day military confrontation in May 2025.
The agreement effectively combines Saudi Arabia's financial resources with Pakistan's military capabilities, creating what analysts describe as a marriage between Riyadh's wealth and Islamabad's nuclear arsenal. This partnership extends beyond military cooperation to encompass intelligence sharing, joint training, and enhanced deterrence capabilities, with Pakistani officials suggesting the framework could potentially be extended to other Gulf nations.
For Saudi Arabia, the pact addresses strategic vulnerabilities highlighted by recent regional developments and provides access to proven military expertise and nuclear deterrence. The kingdom has long been concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions and has previously stated it would pursue nuclear weapons if Tehran acquired them. For Pakistan, the agreement offers crucial financial support and diplomatic backing, particularly valuable given its economic challenges and ongoing tensions with India.
The nuclear component of the agreement has raised proliferation concerns among international observers. Pakistan maintains its nuclear doctrine is focused solely on deterring India, but the new pact introduces ambiguity about potential targeting and operational parameters. Israel, widely believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear power, is closely monitoring developments, with experts suggesting Pakistan's position on Israel's priority list will likely rise significantly.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement represents more than a bilateral security arrangement; it signals a broader recalibration of Middle Eastern security architecture. As Gulf states seek to diversify their security partnerships beyond traditional reliance on the United States, the Pakistan-Saudi pact establishes a new model that could influence future regional alliances. The agreement's emphasis on collective defence, reminiscent of NATO's Article 5, demonstrates how traditional alliance structures are evolving in response to contemporary security challenges.
Regional reactions have been cautious but significant. Iran faces the prospect of an enhanced nuclear deterrent on its borders, while Israel must recalculate its strategic position in a region where nuclear capabilities are now explicitly shared between allies. The United States, meanwhile, confronts the reality that its traditional security guarantees may no longer be sufficient for Gulf allies seeking more robust protection mechanisms.
The defence agreement culminates decades of Pakistan-Saudi cooperation while opening new chapters in regional security dynamics. With both nations emphasizing the pact's defensive nature and commitment to regional stability, the true test will be how this formal alliance functions during future crises and whether it serves as a stabilizing force or introduces new complexities to an already volatile region.
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