Editorial 1: Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact: Significance for the Two Countries
Context:
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a comprehensive defense cooperation agreement, signaling a renewed phase in their long-standing partnership. While both countries already shared cultural, religious, and economic ties, this pact gives structured shape to their defense relationship, covering military training, defense production, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises.
Background of the agreement:
- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed this agreement in the aftermath of recent strike in Qatar by Israel. Also, this agreement assumes significance as it is first major defense pact an Arab nation has signed with a nuclear-armed nation.
- The US presence in the Arab peninsula has decreased resulting in weak security guarantees against Israel and Iran.
- The agreement has the provision of joint defense against any aggression from third country on either of the agreement partners.
- This pact reflects the shared commitment of both countries to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.
The Saudi-Pakistan relationship:
- It dates back to the 1960s when Pakistani troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia to provide training and protection during the Egypt’s war in Yemen at the time.
- Pakistani Special Forces helped Saudi during Grand Mosque seizure in 1979. In 1982, they signed Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement that allowed Pakistan troop deployment, training and advisory support on Saudi land. It is key buyer of Pakistani arms and Pakistan trained the Saudi’s Airforce.
- Saudi Arabia supported Pakistan financially during the sanctions due to it nuclear programme.
- Over the years, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Pakistan during its economic crises—through oil supply at concessional rates, cash deposits, and aid. Pakistan, in turn, has been a reliable security partner, with its military personnel assisting in Saudi defense needs.
- Additionally, the Pakistani Diaspora in Saudi Arabia, numbering in the millions, contributes substantial remittances, making Riyadh a vital economic lifeline. This historical depth explains why the defense pact is seen as a natural extension of their relationship.
Significance of the Pact for Pakistan:
- Economic Support and Relief: Pakistan is grappling with high external debt, currency depreciation, and IMF dependency. Enhanced defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia is expected to bring economic dividends, including investments in Pakistan’s defense industry and potential financial assistance.
- Strategic Leverage: At a time when Pakistan seeks to balance relations with China, the US, and Gulf states, this pact bolsters its presence in the West Asian security equation. It reinforces Pakistan’s image as a crucial security player in the Muslim world.
- Military Modernization: Collaboration may strengthen Pakistan’s defense production sector through joint ventures, technology transfers, and training opportunities. This is especially important for Islamabad, which is looking to upgrade its military capabilities under budgetary constraints.
- Political Prestige: Entering into a formal pact with Riyadh enhances Pakistan’s international standing. It reaffirms that despite its internal challenges, the country remains an important factor in regional geopolitics.
Significance of the Pact for Saudi Arabia:
- Diversifying Security Partnerships: Traditionally dependent on the US for defense, Saudi Arabia has been working to broaden its strategic partnerships. With Pakistan’s large and professional military, Riyadh gains a trusted partner capable of contributing to its security.
- Addressing Regional Threats: With tensions involving Iran, conflicts in Yemen, and broader instability in West Asia, Saudi Arabia values Pakistan’s combat experience and expertise.
- Vision 2030 Alignment: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 emphasizes reducing reliance on external actors and creating a more secure environment for economic diversification. Defense cooperation with Pakistan fits neatly into this plan.
- Maintaining Balance: By engaging Pakistan, Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with a traditional ally, while also ensuring that its growing partnership with India does not alienate Islamabad.
Saudi Arabia-India Relation:
- Economic and trade cooperation: India is second largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia, whereas Saudi is the fifth largest trading partner of India. In fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade stood at USD 42.98 billion, with Indian exports valued at USD 11.56 billion and its imports valued at USD 31.42 billion.
- Strategic Bilateral Partnership: During the PM Manmohan’s visit in 2010 in Riyadh, both sides upgraded their bilateral ties to Strategic partnership. Following PM Modi visit to Riyadh in 2016, many high level visits from both sides have taken place.
- Diplomatic support during Operation Sindoor: Saudi Arabia was one of the countries who quickly condemned the incident of killing Civilians in Pahalgam attack on April 2025. Saudi has always preferred talk to both India and Pakistan during recent crises. It has avoided taking sides. This strengthens its role as peace negotiator.
- People-to-people ties: The civilization and historical ties between both countries go back to Indus Valley Civilization times. Presently, there is 27-lakh strong Indian Diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
- India has cautiously responded to this agreement by stating that it will study is implications on Saudi-India bilateral relations as well as for regional and global stability.
Way Forward:
The Saudi-Pakistan defense pact is more than a technical military agreement—it is a reflection of evolving strategic imperatives. For Pakistan, it offers much-needed economic support, opportunities for military modernization, and renewed prestige on the world stage. For Saudi Arabia, it secures a capable ally in its regional security environment, reduces overdependence on the US, and aligns with long-term strategic goals under Vision 2030. It strengthens a historical bond while simultaneously reshaping regional dynamics in West Asia and South Asia.