Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to treat any attack on either nation as an assault on both. The deal has sparked major geopolitical discussions, particularly in India, where experts are weighing its implications on regional security.
According to a Saudi official quoted by Reuters, the pact even covers the potential use of nuclear weapons – though detailed provisions of the agreement are yet to be disclosed.
Saudi Arabia’s Military Capability
Saudi Arabia has traditionally relied on the United States for security but has recently shown signs of rethinking its defence strategy. Ranked 24th among 145 countries on the Global Firepower index, Riyadh partners with Pakistan – ranked 12th – in this new security alignment.
Saudi Arabia’s arsenal includes around 280 fighter jets, primarily American F-15 variants, along with Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornados. Its missile defence is bolstered by US-made THAAD and Patriot systems. While Riyadh possesses China-origin DF-3 and DF-21 intermediate-range missiles, these are conventionally armed and not nuclear-capable. Analysts suggest that any nuclear deterrence would likely depend on Pakistani warheads and delivery systems.
The kingdom is also reportedly ramping up its ballistic missile programme as part of its long-term security strategy.
Global Defence Spending
Saudi Arabia ranks 7th worldwide in military expenditure, while Pakistan stands at 29th. India, meanwhile, is the 4th largest military power, after the US, China, and Russia, according to SIPRI’s 2024 report.
Implications for India
New Delhi is closely monitoring the deal. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement affirming its commitment to safeguard India’s interests:
“We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability.”
India previously carried out Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, striking Pakistan’s terror infrastructure in a four-day military action. Officials have warned that any future terror strike will be treated as an act of war and could trigger the operation’s resumption.