Implications of the Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact on India-Regional Stability

Tue Sep 30 2025 02:20:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The recent defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has raised eyebrows in India, prompting concerns over regional security dynamics and historical tensions.

The recent strategic defence pact signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signifies heightened military partnership that some Indian analysts view as a direct threat to India's national security. The agreement commits to mutual defence, which poses significant implications for India's security dynamics amidst its already complex relations with Pakistan. While some experts urge caution, suggesting an overstatement of risks, others note the potential reshaping of regional alignments that complicate India's geopolitical positioning.

The embrace between Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's Prime Minister, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh last week symbolizes a significant moment as they signed a 'strategic mutual defence agreement'. This pact unites the Islamic world's nuclear-armed nation more closely with the Middle East's largest monarchy, raising alarms, especially in India.

A senior Saudi official characterized the pact as an institutionalization of longstanding cooperation, yet Indian analysts perceive it as an escalation amidst escalating tensions. With historical hostilities surrounding Kashmir, any Saudi support of Pakistan's military evokes immediate concern in India.

This pact highlights a commitment that any aggression against either nation will be deemed aggression against both, raising fears about security vulnerabilities in India. Analysts suggest that this indicates Saudi Arabia is aligning itself squarely with Pakistan at a time when Pakistan’s economy is unstable.

Former Indian officials and security strategists refer to this deal as a risky miscalculation. They highlight that Pakistan’s ongoing political instability and economic challenges raise questions about its viability as a security partner. The implications of the pact extend to broader regional dynamics, especially with India's rapidly growing ties to Saudi Arabia.

Despite concerns, some analysts believe India may be overstating the threat posed by this agreement, given Saudi Arabia's vested interests in maintaining close economic ties with India. The historical complexity and context of Saudi-Pakistan relations point to a longstanding alliance built on defense, from military collaboration to arms trading, yet the new pact signals a significant pivot in the regional balance of power.

Ultimately, the agreement may not pose an immediate threat, but its implications for regional stability and India's diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia remain to be seen. The security architecture in the Middle East appears to be evolving, and India is advised to recalibrate its position amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.