Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Agreement
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalized a longstanding defence and security partnership. This pact, dating back to the 1960s, was signed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agreement includes a notable clause stating that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both." This emphasizes a shared commitment to enhance security and peace in the region and globally.
Background and Context
- The agreement was signed following increased regional tensions, notably Israel's strike in Qatar and uncertainties around US defense promises.
- This marks the first major defense pact between an Arab nation and a nuclear-armed country.
Historical Military Cooperation
- Military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia began in the late 1960s.
- It deepened post-1979 during the Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca, with Pakistani forces assisting Saudi troops.
- A Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement was established in 1982, allowing for Pakistani training and advisory support in Saudi Arabia.
- In February, a Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting in Riyadh vowed to expand training and exchanges.
Strategic and Economic Implications
- The pact offers Pakistan strategic and economic benefits, securing Saudi investments and shoring up its claim as a pan-Islamic security provider.
- Saudi Arabia gains strengthened defenses against Iranian threats, Yemen’s Houthi militias, and regional instability caused by Israel.
- Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan ambassador to the US, noted that Pakistan might use Saudi funds to purchase US weapons, which the Trump administration might sell.
Saudi-India Relations
- Saudi Arabia maintains strong strategic and economic ties with India.
- India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 42.98 billion in FY 2023-24.
- Key milestones in Saudi-India relations include the Delhi Declaration in 2006 and the Riyadh Declaration in 2010, which elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership.
- During PM Modi's visit to Riyadh in 2016, he received the Kingdom’s highest civilian honor, the ‘King Abdulaziz Sash’.
Political Dynamics
- Despite tensions, Saudi Arabia has maintained a balanced stance during India-Pakistan conflicts.
- It did not strongly criticize India's abrogation of Article 370 or the Balakot strikes but condemned the Pulwama terror attack.
