The signing of the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact (Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement – SMDA) on September 17, 2025, has added a new dimension to South Asia and Middle East geopolitics. For India, which shares a volatile border with Pakistan, and for Israel, which is recalibrating its security in a changing Gulf region, this pact carries far-reaching implications.
Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact : What It Means
Formal Mutual Defence Agreement: The pact states that aggression against one will be treated as aggression against both, enhancing deterrence in the region.
Historic Ties Reinforced:
Pakistan has long been a military partner of Saudi Arabia, providing training and troops, while Riyadh has provided financial aid and strategic cover.While the pact does not explicitly mention nuclear weapons, Pakistan’s arsenal creates ambiguity—raising questions whether Saudi Arabia now enjoys a form of nuclear deterrence.
Why This Pact Matters for India
- Pakistan Gains Confidence Against India
With Saudi backing, Pakistan may adopt a stronger stance on Kashmir and other disputes with India. Even symbolic Saudi support can embolden Islamabad. Recent India Pakistan War 2025 eventually ended with attack on Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase nuclear command being completely destroyed. Pakistan’s 11 airbase as deep as Sargodha were destroyed & several planes and logistical hubs were destroyed in the process. Finally the Pakistani DGMO called in for truce.
- Saudi Balancing Act Tested
India–Saudi Arabia relations have expanded in energy, trade, and diaspora ties. But the pact reaffirms that on hard security issues, Saudi Arabia leans toward Pakistan.
- Strategic Pressure on India
The pact forces India to reassess its western front defence strategy, strengthen deterrence, and deepen ties with partners like Israel, the U.S., and UAE.
- Risk of Diplomatic Strain: PM Modi shares a good rapport with Riyadh. Even if Riyadh claims neutrality, New Delhi must ensure that Indo–Saudi ties are not weakened by Riyadh’s military partnership with Islamabad.
Implications for Israel
For Israel, the Saudi–Pakistan defence pact is equally concerning. It signals stronger solidarity among Muslim powers, which could indirectly counterbalance Israel’s influence. Israel’s hopes for formal ties with Saudi Arabia may face new hurdles, affecting India’s trilateral diplomacy. If the pact emboldens militant groups, Israel could face more regional security risks—an area where India and Israel can expand counter-terrorism cooperation.
What India Should Do
- Strengthen Indo–Saudi Defence Diplomacy
Push for joint military exercises, intelligence exchanges, and high-level visits to prevent Pakistan from monopolizing Saudi defence ties.
- Use Energy and Trade Leverage
As one of Saudi Arabia’s largest oil customers, India can use economic interdependence to maintain influence in Riyadh.
- Boost India–Israel Strategic Partnership
Closer collaboration in defence technology, intelligence, and counter-terrorism will help balance the impact of the Saudi–Pakistan pact.
- Enhance Western Border Preparedness
Improve border infrastructure, surveillance, and quick response capabilities to counter a potentially emboldened Pakistan.
- Shape Global Narrative
In platforms like the UN, SCO, and G20, India should project itself as a stabilizing force, ensuring Pakistan does not gain undue diplomatic advantage.
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact is more than a bilateral deal—it is a geopolitical signal with ripple effects from South Asia to the Middle East. For India, it highlights the need to balance friendship with Saudi Arabia while preparing for a more confident Pakistan. For Israel, it raises concerns about Arab unity and its own regional deterrence.
Handled strategically, this development could push India to strengthen its ties with both Riyadh and Tel Aviv, positioning itself as a stabilizing power. Mishandled, it risks heightening India’s security challenges on multiple fronts. India has declared that Operation Sindoor has been paused and not ended. Any further attack on India will lead to full escalations and with this Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact it remains to be seen if Saudi Arabia will enter the war against India along with Pakistan.
