- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalised a NATO-style clause, strengthening deterrence and reshaping Gulf security
On September 17, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan formalized a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement in Riyadh, marking a significant escalation in their longstanding security partnership. This pact, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, incorporates a NATO-like clause stipulating that any act of aggression against one signatory will be regarded as an assault on both, thereby committing the nations to mutual defense.
The agreement emerges amid heightened regional tensions, including recent Israeli military actions in Qatar, which have underscored vulnerabilities in Gulf security architectures and prompted Arab states to reassess their reliance on traditional Western alliances. This development formalizes decades of informal cooperation between the two Muslim-majority nations, encompassing military training, joint exercises, and economic interdependencies. Pakistan, a nuclear-armed power with an estimated arsenal of over 170 warheads, provides Saudi Arabia with a potential deterrent against existential threats, while the Kingdom offers financial and strategic support to bolster Pakistan’s economy. The timing is noteworthy, following an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim leaders in response to Israeli strikes, which has amplified calls for unified Islamic responses to regional instability.
The pact has elicited diverse international reactions, ranging from cautious monitoring to expressions of concern, particularly from India and Israel, which perceive it as altering the balance of power in South Asia and the Middle East, respectively.
The foundations of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship date back to Pakistan’s independence in 1947, rooted in shared Islamic heritage and strategic alignments. Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, has long viewed Pakistan—a nation founded on Muslim identity — as a natural ally. Early diplomatic ties were established in 1951, evolving into economic and military collaborations during the Cold War era. In the 1970s and 1980s, the oil boom enabled Saudi Arabia to finance Pakistan’s development projects, while Pakistan provided military personnel for Gulf security. Notably, Pakistani troops were deployed to Saudi Arabia during the 1979 Grand Mosque seizure and the 1990-1991 Gulf War, demonstrating operational interoperability.
The 1982 Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement laid institutional groundwork, supplemented by defense protocols in the 1990s that included joint military exercises and arms transfers. The post-9/11 landscape further deepened ties, with Pakistan contributing to Saudi counterterrorism efforts and receiving billions in financial aid, including deferred oil payments during Pakistan’s economic crises. In 2015, Saudi Arabia formed the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), a 42-nation alliance often dubbed the “Muslim NATO,” with Pakistan playing a pivotal role under former army chief General Raheel Sharif as its first commander. This coalition focused on anti-terrorism but hinted at broader defense ambitions.
Recent years have seen intensified cooperation amid shifting geopolitics. Saudi Vision 2030’s diversification goals align with Pakistan’s export potential in manpower and technology, while mutual concerns over Iran’s regional influence and US policy inconsistencies have fostered closer alignment. The 2025 agreement builds on these precedents, transforming ad hoc support into a binding commitment, potentially extending Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia—a longstanding speculation in strategic circles.P
Pakistan’s defense agreements are not unprecedented. It maintains a 1954 Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with the United States, focused on aid rather than collective defense, and a 1954 Pact of Mutual Cooperation with Turkey for consultations. With China, ties are strategic but lack a formal mutual defense treaty. The Saudi pact stands out for its explicit NATO-style clause, reflecting a deliberate pivot toward Islamic solidarity amid perceived Western unreliability.
Signed in Riyadh’s opulent palaces, the agreement pledges “joint deterrence against any aggression,” encompassing military, intelligence, and logistical support. Key provisions include:
- Collective Response Clause: Mirroring NATO’s Article 5, it declares any attack on one as an attack on both, potentially invoking Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities in Saudi defense scenarios.
- Joint Military Frameworks: Enhanced training, exercises, and possible deployment of Pakistani forces to Saudi soil.
- Economic Integration: Linked to broader investments, including Saudi commitments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and potential $25 billion in funding for Pakistani infrastructure.
- Scope and Limitations: While comprehensive, the pact emphasizes deterrence rather than offensive actions, with ambiguities regarding activation thresholds.
The agreement’s announcement via joint statements highlights its role in “strengthening deterrence,” amid concerns over Israeli actions in Qatar and broader Middle Eastern volatility. Analysts note it could involve Pakistan in Gulf conflicts, raising questions about its alignment with existing alliances. The pact has reverberated across international capitals, eliciting a spectrum of responses shaped by strategic interests.
India, Pakistan’s nuclear-armed neighbor and historical rival, has responded with measured caution. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the discussions and committing to study the pact’s implications for national security and regional stability. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India would take “all necessary steps” to safeguard its interests, viewing the agreement as formalizing longstanding Saudi-Pakistani ties rather than a radical shift. Indian analysts perceive the pact as potentially emboldening Pakistan in Kashmir disputes, with concerns over Saudi Arabia’s indirect access to Pakistani nuclear deterrence complicating South Asian dynamics. Media outlets like The Hindu and NDTV highlighted the “watchful approach,” noting no immediate alarm but underscoring the need for diplomatic engagement with Riyadh to preserve India’s robust economic ties with Saudi Arabia, valued at over $40 billion annually. Some commentators suggest India may strengthen its alliances with the UAE and Israel in response, potentially accelerating Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) initiatives.
On the other hand, Israel has reacted with evident concern, interpreting the pact as a direct signal amid escalating tensions. Reports from The Times of Israel describe it as a “mutual defense packed with nuclear-armed Pakistan,” linking it to recent Israeli operations against Hamas and strikes in Qatar. Israeli officials have not issued formal statements, but sources indicate shock, with fears that Pakistan’s missiles could be deployed in Saudi Arabia, enhancing Gulf deterrence against Israeli actions. Social media and commentary, including YouTube analyses, portray the agreement as placing Israel “in big trouble,” potentially complicating its regional strategy. This reaction stems from Israel’s normalization efforts with Arab states via the Abraham Accords, which could be undermined if Saudi Arabia prioritizes Islamic solidarity over US-brokered deals. The pact is seen as a hedge against perceived U.S. hesitancy in restraining Israeli policies, amplifying calls within Israel for bolstered defenses.
The United States, a key ally to both nations, was reportedly informed post-signing, reflecting Gulf anxieties over American reliability. China, Pakistan’s “all-weather friend,” views the pact positively, potentially integrating it with CPEC for broader Eurasian connectivity. Russia and Iran have remained muted, though the latter may see it as countering its influence. Arab nations have largely welcomed the agreement, viewing it as bolstering collective security amid US waning commitments. Qatar, recently targeted by Israel, may find reassurance in the pact’s deterrent value. The UAE and Egypt, part of the IMCTC, see potential for expansion, though rivalries persist.
Overall, it is perceived as a “watershed” moment reshaping Gulf geopolitics. Muslim nations beyond the Arab world have mixed views. Turkey, a NATO member with ambitions for Islamic leadership, may compete for influence but could join an expanded coalition. Indonesia and Malaysia, as Sunni-majority states, express interest in unified responses to global challenges. Iran, however, views it warily as a Sunni bloc countering Shia interests. Discussions on X highlight enthusiasm for an “Islamic NATO,” with posts noting leadership struggles among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The pact could accelerate multi-polarity, diminishing US hegemony as Gulf states hedge with non-Western powers. It may embolden nuclear proliferation concerns, with Saudi Arabia potentially accessing Pakistani technology, altering arms control dynamics. For South Asia, it risks escalating India-Pakistan tensions, prompting India to deepen ties with the US and Israel.
Globally, it signals a shift toward religion-based alliances, challenging secular frameworks like the UN. Enhanced Saudi investments in Pakistan could stabilize its economy, influencing global energy markets. In the Middle East, the agreement may deter Israeli expansionism and Iranian adventurism, fostering a Sunni axis. It could prolong conflicts by drawing Pakistan into Yemen or Syria, while promoting stability through deterrence. The pact redefines Gulf security, potentially marginalizing U.S. bases. The agreement revives prospects for an expanded Islamic coalition, building on the IMCTC. Pakistan’s proposals for a “Muslim NATO” gain traction amid Israeli actions, but hurdles include Sunni-Shia divides, leadership rivalries, and external pressures. A broader alliance is feasible if focused on counterterrorism, though full military integration remains challenging. Rivalries (e.g., Saudi-Iran) and varying threat perceptions pose obstacles, yet shared concerns over Israel could unify efforts.
The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement represents a transformative development, eliciting vigilant responses from India and Israel while fostering optimism among Arab and Muslim states. Its long-term impacts could redefine global and Middle Eastern geopolitics, potentially catalyzing a stronger Islamic coalition. As the world navigates this shift, the pact underscores the evolving nature of international alliances in a multipolar era.
The author, Nazir Ahmed Shaikh, is a freelance writer, columnist, blogger, and motivational speaker. He writes articles on diversified topics. He can be reached at sir.nazir.shaikh@gmail.com