During Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the two nations signed a landmark defense agreement, pledging to consider any act of aggression against one as an attack on both.
According to a joint statement issued after the visit, Sharif traveled to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The two leaders met at Al-Yamamah Palace, where they discussed historic and strategic ties as well as issues of mutual interest.
The agreement aims to strengthen defense cooperation and establish joint deterrence against potential aggression. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan described their relationship as rooted in eight decades of partnership based on fraternity, Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests, and defense collaboration.
India issued a measured response to the pact, calling it the formalization of a longstanding informal relationship. “We are aware of the strategic defense agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said. “The government was aware that formalizing their long-standing relationship was under consideration. We will assess its implications for national security, regional stability, and global dynamics. India remains committed to safeguarding its national interests and ensuring comprehensive security.”
The agreement comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following terror attacks in Kashmir and the risk of brief military clashes. In April this year, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Riyadh, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, drew strong condemnation from Saudi Arabia. At that time, a joint statement stressed that terrorism is unacceptable and called on all states to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice swiftly.
Relations between New Delhi and Riyadh have otherwise strengthened under Modi’s leadership. India is now Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, and Modi has visited the kingdom three times. In 2016, he received Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor, the King Abdulaziz Sash.
