Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have entered into a landmark by signing Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), just days after Israel’s strike on Qatar (Reuters). Experts hail this agreement as the most significant military and diplomatic initiative in the last 50 years for both nations.
At its core, the pact ensures that each nation treats an attack on the other as an attack on itself, echoing NATO’s Article 5 principle.
The Signing Ceremony of Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement at Al-Yamama Palace
The SMDA was formalized at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh (Al-Jazeera). Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, members of the Saudi royal family and senior Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Army Chief General Asim Munir were present.
PM Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed with unprecedented honor. Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets escorted his plane and gave it a ceremonial aerial salute, symbolizing the depth of this new partnership.
Historical Context of Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement: Pakistan’s Role in Middle East Security
Pakistan’s military ties with Arab nations are not new. The Pakistan military has been supporting the Arab nations in past conflicts. Following few instances are presented here:
- 1967 & 1973 Arab-Israeli Wars: Pakistani pilots fought alongside Arab air forces, even downing Israeli jets (Tribune).
- 1979: eneral Zia-ul-Haq deployed Pakistani troops to safeguard holy sites in Saudi Arabia. (ArabNews).
Strategic Significance of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
1. NATO-Style Security Guarantee
The SMDA establishes that both countries will launch a joint military response to any attack on Saudi Arabia or Pakistan.
2. Possible Nuclear Umbrella
Though officials have not disclosed the full text of the pact, analysts note that the word “strategic” suggests Pakistan may extend a nuclear deterrent umbrella over Saudi Arabia.
3. Access to Advanced Military Hardware
Saudi Arabia’s massive stockpile of USA supplied weapons could now be accessible to Pakistan, potentially reshaping its defense capabilities.
Why Saudi Arabia Chose Pakistan Over India for Security Partnership
Despite India being Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner (with trade worth over $40 billion compared to just $5 billion with Pakistan), Riyadh chose Islamabad for this pact.
The key reasons include:
- Weakening U.S. security guarantees in the Middle East. Recently, Israel struck targets in Qatar, home to major U.S. bases, without prior warning. This raised alarms in Gulf states about America’s reliability.
- Pakistan’s nuclear capability and proven history of defending Arab allies.
- Shared Islamic military legacy that enhances political alignment.
Benefits of Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement for Pakistan’s Defense and Diplomacy
For Pakistan, the pact brings following:
- Strategic Strength Against India: Saudi backing enhances Pakistan’s deterrence against potential Indian military actions.
- Economic Relief: Access to Saudi funds and military hardware could ease Pakistan’s defense spending burden.
- Diplomatic Prestige: Despite economic struggles, Pakistan is once again “punching above its weight” on the global stage.
The Bigger Picture: Collapse of U.S-Led Security Order
This pact also reflects a shift in global geopolitics:
- UN’s Weakness: Institutions like the UN have failed to stop Israeli aggression, eroding faith in international law.
- Rise of Realism: Nations are prioritizing self-defense and military alliances over liberal ideals.
- Middle East’s New Strategy: Gulf states are no longer relying solely on Washington and are diversifying alliances, with Pakistan at the forefront.
Conclusion: A New Era for Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Relations
Pakistan’s military diplomacy, nuclear deterrence, and geostrategic location have once again made it central to global politics with Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. While its economy and internal politics remain fragile, in matters of war and security, Pakistan has proven itself indispensable.
This pact symbolizes not just a bilateral defense arrangement, but also the emergence of a new power equation in the Middle East—where Saudi Arabia and Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) 2025?
The SMDA is a pact where both nations agree to treat an attack on one as an attack on the other, similar to NATO’s Article 5 principle.
Q2. Why is the SMDA significant for Pakistan?
It boosts Pakistan’s defense strength against India, provides access to Saudi financial and military resources and enhances Islamabad’s global diplomatic standing.
Q3. Does the SMDA include Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence?
While the full details are undisclosed, analysts suggest the “strategic” wording may imply a nuclear umbrella, extending Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you think the SMDA strengthens Pakistan’s security or does it raise new risks? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion section.
Additional Material
To get more insight about the geopolitical implications of SMDA, following videos are suggested:
