On September 17, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan formally inked a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, a landmark pact committing both nations to view any aggression against one as aggression against both. The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was also present for the ceremony.
The pact represents a significant deepening of military cooperation between the two states, building on decades of strategic and defense ties. The joint statement indicates that the agreement “aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation … and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.” Under its terms, an attack on either Saudi Arabia or Pakistan is treated as an attack on both.
A senior Saudi official, speaking anonymously, said this is not a reactive move to any specific country or event, but rather an institutionalization of long-standing cooperation. Nonetheless, the timing—shortly after a controversial Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas political leaders—adds geopolitical weight to the agreement. Gulf Arab states, it is noted, are questioning the reliability of the United States as a security guarantor, especially as regional tensions mount.
While the pact speaks of “all military means,” whether this might include nuclear deterrence or “nuclear umbrella” guarantees remains ambiguous. Saudi officials affirm that the agreement is comprehensive, but stop short of directly confirming any nuclear sharing or such explicit arrangements.
In parallel, Saudi Arabia emphasized it seeks balance in its external relations: Riyadh reiterated that while strengthening ties with Pakistan, it remains committed to sustaining a robust relationship with India, Pakistan’s regional rival. The Kingdom also reaffirmed its ongoing contributions to peace and stability in the region.
