Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, declaring that any aggression against one will be treated as an attack on both.
The pact was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman.
A joint statement said the agreement builds on nearly eight decades of close ties between the two nations, rooted in Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests, and defence cooperation. It underscores the commitment of both sides to strengthen deterrence, expand defence collaboration, and contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both,” the statement noted.
Sharif conveyed greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception. The Crown Prince, in turn, wished Sharif good health and prosperity for the people of Pakistan.
During their meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace, the two leaders, joined by senior delegations, reviewed the historic relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to strategic cooperation. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Army Chief Asim Munir, and other cabinet members accompanied Sharif.
Reacting to the development, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it would assess the implications of the pact.
“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,” the MEA said in a statement.
