By News18,Pathikrit Sen Gupta
Copyright news18
In a landmark development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalised their long-standing security partnership by signing a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”. The pact, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh on Wednesday, elevates a decades-old alliance to a new level of strategic cooperation.
The core of the agreement is its powerful “attack on one, aggression against both” clause. A joint statement from both nations confirmed that any act of aggression against either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be considered a direct act of aggression against the other. The pact aims to strengthen joint deterrence and further develop defence cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
This move comes amidst a volatile geopolitical climate. While both countries’ officials have emphasised that the pact is not directed at any specific nation, its timing is highly significant. It follows the brief military conflict between India and Pakistan and a recent Israeli strike on the Qatari capital, Doha, which has raised concerns among Gulf monarchies about their security. The pact allows Saudi Arabia to formalise a security partnership with a nuclear-armed state, while Pakistan gains renewed financial and diplomatic backing from a key regional power.
Historically, Pakistan has provided extensive military and training support to Saudi Arabia, with Pakistani soldiers stationed in the Kingdom for decades to protect it from external threats. This new agreement formalises that role and sets the stage for a new chapter in military and strategic collaboration.
