The agreement aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.
- It states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.
Impacts of the Agreement
- Regional Security: For Saudi Arabia, it strengthens defences against threats from Iran, Yemen’s Houthi militias and Israel.
- Nuclear Warfare: It further raises the fears of nuclear warfare, as Pakistan extends its nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia, in the already tense region of West Asia.
- Shifting power dynamics: It signifies a move away from traditional role of US as security guarantor in the region due to US ally Israel’s war on Gaza and its strikes on regional neighbours.
- This could create a strategic vacuum for China to deepen its clout in the region.
- Implications for India: Pakistan may see the pact as strategic deterrence against India in future military confrontation, especially in response to cross border terrorism.
India-Saudi Arabia Relations
- Strategic partnership was formalised in 2010 via Riyadh declaration.
- Economic: India is the second largest trade partner of Saudi Arabia, whereas Saudi Arabia is the fifth largest trading partner of India.
- Bilateral trade in 2023 was 42.98 billion and India remained a net importer
- In 2024, Saudi Arabia contributed 6.7% of India's total inward remittances.
- Energy Partnership: Saudi Arabia is third largest crude oil supplier to India.
