In Focus by The Hindu Saudi-Pak Defence deal: Should India be alarmed or is it ‘no big deal’?
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Sep 24, 2025 Bashir Ali Abbas, a Senior Research Associate at the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, delves into the recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. He unpacks the historical roots of their military ties and debates the significance of the deal for regional stability. Key topics include why Saudi Arabia, despite US ties, turned to Pakistan for defense, and what this means for India’s security dynamics. Abbas reassures that while the agreement is impactful, it won't destabilize India-Saudi relations, and emphasizes India's strategic approach in West Asia.
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Historic Saudi–Pakistan Security Partnership
- Pakistan developed deep security ties with Saudi Arabia by offering officer training and military support since the 1950s.
- This relationship became a routine exchange of security assistance for financial support from Saudi Arabia.
Two Channels Of Pakistani Support
- Pakistan's security support to Saudi Arabia focuses on Yemen and counterterrorism via IMCTC led by General Raheel Sharif.
- This created institutional channels for Pakistani troops and commanders to operate in the Gulf region.
Israel Strikes As The Final Catalyst
- The SMDA was years in the making and Israel's strikes on Doha acted as a catalyst for Riyadh to formalize ties with Islamabad.
- Saudi reassessment followed a perception that traditional security guarantees were insufficient after unprecedented strikes.