Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a landmark defense agreement under which an attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both, prompting joint retaliation.
Political analyst Asif Nazrul welcomed the move, writing, “In reality, Muslim countries have no choice but to forge such alliances.”
Experts note that Gulf states have long relied on U.S. security guarantees, but waning trust has prompted them to diversify defense ties. A senior Saudi official said the pact, the result of years of negotiations, institutionalizes cooperation rather than responding to any specific crisis.
However, Riyadh also stressed the importance of maintaining balanced relations with India, with whom it currently enjoys its “strongest-ever ties.” Notably, Saudi officials hinted that Pakistan’s nuclear capability is also a factor in the agreement.