NewKerala.com

Key Points

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalized their long-standing security partnership with a new mutual defence agreement. The pact, signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, declares that any attack on either nation will be treated as an attack on both. This development significantly strengthens the defence cooperation between the two Muslim nations that spans nearly eight decades. India has acknowledged the agreement and stated it will carefully study its implications for regional stability and national security.

Key Points: Saudi Arabia Pakistan Sign Mutual Defence Pact Attack on One Attack on Both

  • Pact signed during Shehbaz Sharif's state visit to Riyadh at MBS invitation
  • Agreement builds on nearly eight decades of historic partnership and defence cooperation
  • India says it will study implications for national security and regional stability
  • High-level Pakistani delegation including Army Chief Asim Munir attended signing
3 min read

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan ink defence agreement stating 'attack on either to be considered attack on both'

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince MBS sign historic defence pact declaring any aggression against one nation an attack on both, reshaping regional security.

"any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both - Saudi-Pakistan Joint Statement"

Riyadh, September 18

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement", pledging that any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both.

The agreement was inked during a state visit by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

According to a joint statement issued following the visit, "building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani prime minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement."

"This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," the joint statement further read.

Sharif also conveyed greetings to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, expressing sincere gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

In response, the Crown Prince extended his best wishes for Sharif's health and the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

The two leaders held an official session of talks at Al-Yamamah Palace, attended by delegations from both countries, where they reviewed the historic and strategic relations spanning nearly eight decades, rooted in shared interests between the two nations.

According to The Express Tribune, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Army Chief Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi also joined Sharif.

Responding to the agreement, India's Ministry of External affairs which said it would study the impact of the development on national security and regional satbility.

"We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India's national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Saudi Arabia has always been a reliable partner for Pakistan. This formalizes what was already happening behind the scenes. India should focus on building stronger ties with other Gulf countries like UAE and Qatar.
A
Arjun K
India's response is measured and mature as always. We don't need to panic - our military and diplomatic strength speaks for itself. Let's see how this plays out in the long run.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Saudi, I can say the business ties between India and Saudi are very strong. This defense pact might not affect economic relations much. Both countries are pragmatic about their interests.
V
Vikram M
Pakistan's economy is in shambles and they're signing defense pacts? This seems more like symbolic posturing than anything substantial. Saudi money won't fix Pakistan's internal problems.
M
Michael C
While this agreement is significant, let's remember that India has its own strong defense partnerships and is a major power in the region. Our focus should remain on economic growth and internal security.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50