Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement

Why in News? 

Recently, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a formal defence agreement. The agreement clearly states that an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both.

Key Highlights of the Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement

• The Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement or Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed on 17 September 2025 in Riyadh that aims to redefine security cooperation between the two countries at a time when the region faces growing uncertainty. 
• The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, and in the presence of senior defence officials.
• The most important feature of this agreement is the mutual aggression clause which clearly states that any form of attack on one partner will be considered as an attack on both. 
• According to the agreement, both the countries have agreed to provide immediate support to each other in the event of external aggression or conflict. 
• The pact covers all military means, which extends from ground forces to air power and naval capabilities. 
• It also includes plans for joint military drills, intelligence sharing, and defence technology transfer to modernize their armed forces through collaboration rather than working in isolation. 

Historical Relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have shared close relations since 1947, the year Pakistan was created as an independent state. 
• Both states have given the Quran and Sunnah a central place in their constitutional and social frameworks, which has helped strengthen their partnership. 
• The relationship was formally recognized in 1951, when both sides signed a Treaty of Friendship that creates a foundation for long-term cooperation in political and security affairs.
• Over the decades, Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan financially with loans, oil supplies, and direct investments during times of economic crisis. 
• During the 2010 floods, Saudi Arabia contributed over $100 million for relief and reconstruction, and additional aid. 
• Pakistan has sent military personnel to support the defence of Saudi territory. From 1982 to 1987, nearly 20,000 Pakistani servicemen were stationed in the Kingdom. 
• A large Pakistani expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, which is around two million people. Pakistani engineers, doctors, teachers, bankers, and entrepreneurs have contributed to the growth of Saudi institutions.
• The International Islamic University in Islamabad was established with a Saudi grant in the 1980s. 
• The Faisal Mosque, a symbol of Pakistan’s capital city, was named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and built with Saudi support. 
• The city of Faisalabad, which is one of Pakistan’s largest industrial centres, was also renamed in his honour.
• Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan’s energy sector, including loans for the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Plant, and deposits in the State Bank of Pakistan to stabilize foreign reserves.
• Saudi Arabia is one of the largest importers of Pakistani arms, and in 2016, Pakistan Ordnance Factories signed an $81 million contract to supply weapons to the Kingdom. Military exercises such as North Thunder and Gulf Shield have seen the participation of both armed forces. 
• At the international level, both countries have taken common positions in organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 

Strategic Significance of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement

• Regional Security: The agreement gives both countries a joint security shield which increases their ability to deter external threats in the Middle East. Pakistan’s nuclear capability and Saudi Arabia’s economic power create a combined strength that signals stability to allies and caution to adversaries.

• Technology Exchange: The pact opens doors for technology transfer which is vital for modernization. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in defence industries under Vision 2030. Together both the countries can build projects that reduce dependence on external suppliers.

• Energy Security: Saudi Arabia is one of Pakistan’s leading suppliers of crude oil. A stronger defence partnership makes sure that these vital energy routes and supplies remain protected in times of global tension or maritime threats.

• Power Dynamics: The pact allows both states to play a stronger role in shaping regional power equations. After Pakistan’s border clashes with India in 2025, Israeli strike on Qatar and rising instability in the Gulf. This recognition increases their weight in organizations such as the OIC and the United Nations.

India’s Reaction to this Defence Agreement

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to the agreement that India is aware of the development and will study its impact on regional security. India has maintained that any defence pact in South Asia or the Middle East needs close examination. India already faced a military clash with Pakistan in May 2025, Operation Sindoor.
• The mutual aggression clause raised concern. India understands that this clause may provide Pakistan with an additional layer of military assurance from Saudi Arabia. Such provisions could embolden Pakistan in its regional stance, particularly in matters related to Kashmir and border tensions.
• Saudi Arabia and Indian ties will remain the same. The Kingdom remains one of India’s top energy suppliers, accounting for nearly 18 percent of crude oil imports in 2024, and also a major trade partner with bilateral trade crossing $52 billion in 2023–24.