18 September 2025, NIICE Commentaries 11788
Dr Chander Shekhar
In Asia, new changes have happened in geopolitics that would change the course of future regional security. Israel’s unstoppable strikes to neighbouring countries, beyond Gaza, have generated anxiety and insecurity among other entities, given the US’s security assurance failed scenario. In the Middle East, geopolitics and its overlapping implications have pushed countries to protect their territory from future invasion. Israel’s strikes on Qatar on 9 September have far-reaching implications in the regional security architecture. The allies of the US are being tested with their patience after continuous provocations and violations of sovereignty. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, as reported, have been in constant discussion for institutionalizing a defence agreement.
On 17 September 2025, the two Islamic states concluded a long-awaited “mutual defence pact”, which would reinforce their long-standing security alliance amid growing regional conflicts, such as Israel-Iran, India-Pakistan, and others. It also marks a significant moment for the two in their quest to bolster the regional security alliance and enhance defence readiness and cooperation. The pact would connect South Asia’s security challenges to West Asia. It is anticipated that other countries would follow suit by creating safety nets, as the US is no longer providing a security umbrella, as seen in various episodes under the Trump presidency.
Joint Defence Pact
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, was invited for a State visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (17 September). He was accompanied by a big delegation of officials. During his visit, a defence agreement was signed. It is the historic pact, which has regional security and strategic implications. Pakistan is in trouble, facing a worse economic crisis and strategic choices. The World Bank report also noted Islamabad’s economic indexes are in shock after COVID-19 and 2the 022 catastrophic floods. The PM’s Riyadh visit would help Pakistan economically to repair its domestic economy.
In their joint statement, both review their comprehensive partnership. It was noted in the document that the joint defence pact is based on their “bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries”. The mutual understanding and shared commitment to national security and safety were built between them to increase security and achieve peace and security in the region.
The pact reads that it aims to advance defense ties by building a joint deterrence doctrine against “any aggression”. Further, it explicitly believes that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”. This tone appears like NATO’s Article 5, which claims that “an attack against one is considered an attack against all”. The Saudi news reported that the agreement falls within the framework of efforts to enhance security and achieve peace in the region and the world.
India’s Response
The Defence Pact is directly concerned with South Asia, beyond West Asia. India is part of it and shares proximity; any changes in security architecture would affect the Indian sub-continental security atmosphere. India’s MEA Spokesperson responded to this security advancement in the region by stating the fact that “the government was aware of this development that formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, which had been under consideration”.
India’s approach demonstrates a calculative watch, which does not undermine the relevance of the Pact nor react to its immediate implications. Its position is calm, measured, and watching the development taking place near its geography. By not reacting, India remains “committed to protect its national interests and ensure comprehensive national security in all domains”.
Besides, India enjoys a friendly tie with Saudi Arabia since their diplomatic relations were formalized in 1947, strengthened in 2006 with the “Delhi Declaration”, in 2010 with “Riyadh Declaration” after former PM Dr Singh’s visit, thereby elevating the partnership to the strategic level. PM Modi has visited Riyadh several times to reinforce ties since 2016. For India, Riyadh is the gateway to regional prosperity and security. Both share common interests, rules, and international law. Likewise, India and Saudi Arabia are the two largest trading partners. In 2024-25, their bilateral trade volume crossed USD 41.88 billion, with India importing more than USD 30.12 billion and exporting USD 11.76 billion.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack in India, a chain of terror attacks, Saudi Arabia had condemned it by reiterating that the Kingdom’s stand is firm against all forms of violence targeting civilians. The defence pact might have mild security implications as far as India’s external ties with Riyadh are concerned.
Changing Geopolitics
Geopolitics in the West and South Asia has changed drastically in the last few years. Conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Israel-Iran, and Israel’s Qatar attack have changed the security perception in the region.
India’s Permanent Representative in Geneva responds by stating that “India is deeply concerned about the recent attacks in Doha, and their impact on the security situation in the region. We unequivocally condemn the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. Such actions threaten peace, stability, and security, not only in the region, but across the world”.
Saudi official acknowledges that the pact has nothing to do with or in response to any “specific countries or specific events, but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between two countries”. They have taken a balanced position in the context of a defense pact. They stated that Saudi Arabia’s Saudi-India ties are “more robust than it has ever been, which will continue to grow and seek regional peace in the future”.
Conclusion
The Riyadh-Islamabad collective defense pact between a nuclear-armed South Asian state and a West Asian giant is a catalyst event that is not just an answer to the security situation, but also shapes the South Asian security equation. India was already aware of this development in the past, so it did not react, but remained vigilant, as it has good ties with Riyadh.
The Pact’s alliance clauses of collective defense, like NATO, could push other countries to join. In a practical scenario, how much it will be operational will be seen, or it could lose its relevance in the near future. This alternative reciprocal safety net for Rawalpindi and Riyadh is a necessity for their security and peace.
Dr Chander Shekhar is a Researcher at the Centre for International Politics, Organizations and Disarmament, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
