New Delhi: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalised a mutual defence agreement during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh. A key clause of the pact states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”, signalling deepened military and strategic ties between the two nations.

India’s measured response

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India was aware of the development and would study its implications for national security. A spokesperson said:

“We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.”

Details of the pact

The agreement was signed during Sharif’s visit to Riyadh on the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting took place at the Al-Yamamah Palace, with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also present.

A joint statement highlighted that the pact builds on the historic partnership spanning nearly eight decades between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. It emphasises “bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries.”

The pact aims to:

  • Strengthen joint deterrence against aggression

  • Enhance defence cooperation in multiple areas

  • Promote regional and global security through mutual commitments

Regional context

The pact comes at a time of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. Analysts note that Pakistan’s closer alignment with Saudi Arabia could reshape security calculations in the West Asian region.

India has steadily developed bilateral relations with Riyadh under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Saudi Arabia is now India’s second-largest trading partner, and during Modi’s state visit in April 2025, both nations condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling on all states to reject terrorism and dismantle its infrastructure.

Strategic significance

Observers suggest the pact institutionalises Pakistan’s role in Saudi-led regional security architectures while reinforcing the historic military and cultural ties between the two countries. While India maintains that it will protect national interests across all domains, this development underscores shifting dynamics in South Asia and the Gulf.