Riyadh: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic defence agreement on Wednesday, committing to mutual defence in the event of an attack on either nation. The pact marks a major step forward in bilateral ties between the two countries and comes at a time of heightened regional tensions.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the new agreement “aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.” Crucially, the pact stipulates that an attack on one signatory will be considered an act of aggression against both, effectively establishing a formal mutual defence clause.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Analysts see the move as a clear signal of deepening military and strategic cooperation between the two longstanding allies.

Regional tensions prompt shift in security alignments

The timing of the pact is notable. It follows closely on the heels of a controversial Israeli airstrike that targeted Hamas leaders in neighbouring Qatar, raising alarm across Gulf states already reassessing their reliance on the United States for regional security.

In South Asia, the situation remains tense. Just four months ago, Pakistan and India engaged in their most serious military confrontation since the Kargil War of 1999. The brief but intense conflict in May resulted in over 70 fatalities on both sides, involving missile strikes, drone attacks, and artillery fire.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Saudi Arabia in April when he abruptly cut short his visit due to a deadly attack on tourists in India that ignited the cross-border skirmishes. Saudi Arabia is believed to have played a behind-the-scenes role in de-escalating the crisis.

Economic ties run deep

Saudi Arabia maintains strong economic relations with both South Asian nations. It is India’s third-largest oil supplier, crucial to powering the energy needs of the world’s most populous country. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to benefit from Saudi economic support, including remittances from over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom.