Saudi Arabia has entered into a new “strategic mutual defence” pact with Pakistan, in a move that signals Riyadh’s intention to diversify its security alliances and reduce reliance on the United States.
The agreement comes at a time of heightened instability in the Gulf following Israel’s missile strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, a development that has unsettled Gulf states traditionally reliant on Washington for security guarantees.
A shift in Gulf security alignments
A senior Saudi official confirmed to Financial Times that the pact with Pakistan underscores a commitment to collective deterrence, stating: “Aggression against one is aggression against the other.”
The official described the deal as a comprehensive defence agreement, allowing for the use of all defensive and military means deemed necessary depending on the threat.
Riyadh informed Washington of the arrangement after it was signed, but the move highlights Gulf states’ growing unease with the unpredictability of US policy and concerns over Israel’s increasingly assertive military actions in the region.
Israel’s strikes on Doha — one of Washington’s key non-Nato allies and home to a US military base — have amplified anxieties about both American commitment and Israel’s regional conduct.
Longstanding ties with Pakistan, balancing ties with India
Saudi Arabia’s decision to formalise security ties with Pakistan builds on a longstanding relationship that has included both military cooperation and financial support.
Gulf states, including Riyadh, have played a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s economy during times of crisis.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia maintains significant economic relations with Pakistan’s rival, India.
Riyadh is one of India’s largest oil suppliers and has cultivated deeper bilateral links in recent years.
Balancing these two relationships underscores the complexity of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, particularly as it seeks to enhance its regional influence while maintaining global partnerships.
Saudi officials stressed that the kingdom remains committed to nuclear non-proliferation, a point seen as essential in the context of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.
The official noted that the agreement had been in preparation for over a year, built on “two to three years” of conversations.
Impact of Gaza conflict on regional strategy
Saudi Arabia had previously pursued a broader strategic agreement with Washington, hoping to secure a formal defence pact and nuclear cooperation.
Such a deal was expected to pave the way for the kingdom to normalise diplomatic relations with Israel.
However, those plans collapsed after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Since then, Riyadh’s stance has hardened against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accusing Israel of genocide and ruling out normalisation until a Palestinian state is established.
The crown prince condemned Israel’s strike on Doha as “brutal aggression” that required a coordinated Arab, Islamic, and international response.
Analysts note that while Gulf states remain dependent on the US as their primary defence partner, the latest pact with Pakistan highlights Riyadh’s willingness to explore diversification of its security arrangements.
The agreement may also serve as a signal to Washington and Tel Aviv that Saudi Arabia is prepared to expand its options amid an increasingly uncertain regional landscape.
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