'Attack On One, Considered Attack On Both': Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Defence Agreement, Calls It 'Islamic Unity'

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a formal mutual defence pact on Wednesday, where both countries agreed to strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.

The defence pact was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was also present during the event.

(CREDIT: Saudi Press Agency)

“Building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani prime minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” read the joint statement released following the meeting.

Will it impact India-Saudi Arabia relations?

When asked about any repercussions with relations with India, a Saudi Arabian official told news agency Reuters, the ties between New Delhi and Riyadh are roboust than it has ever and added both sides will contribute to regional peace. However, the official did not mention about if the defence deal came in the aftermath of recent India-Pakistan conflict where both nuclear-armed states involved in deadly attacks. 

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The senior Saudi official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan's rival, India, also a nuclear power. "Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can." Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said: "This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means." 

Any comments from the Indian side is still awaited.

Why the defence deal is crucial for Saudi Arabia?

The enhanced defense ties come as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor. Israel's attack on Qatar last week heightened those concerns. "This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries," a senior Saudi official told Reuters when asked about its timing.

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Israel's attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha, while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal that Qatar is helping to mediate, infuriated Arab countries. The pact could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region. Allies of Washington, Gulf monarchies have sought to stabilise ties with both Iran and Israel to resolve longstanding security concerns. But the Gaza war has upended the region and Gulf state Qatar has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel.

(With inputs from agency)