Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formalize a mutual defense agreement
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have deepened their decades-long security partnership by signing a strategic defense pact with Pakistan. The agreement, which was inked on Wednesday, comes in response to recent regional tensions, particularly the attack on Qatar by Israel.
The enhanced defense pact aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The pact states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both. This significant move in regional security dynamics marks a shift in the strategic alliances in South Asia.
The conflict between Pakistan and India in May, the worst round of fighting since 1999, involved missile, drone, and artillery fire. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia played a part in deescalating tensions between the two nations.
The military flare-up resulted in the deaths of 70 military personnel and civilians. The agreement's primary objective is to prevent such conflicts in the future.
Saudi Arabia, India's third-largest oil supplier, has also been expanding its diplomatic and economic ties with India. This dual approach indicates Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance its alliance with Pakistan while also fostering strong relations with India.
The defense pact was signed following a tense four-day conflict between nuclear powers Pakistan and India in May. The ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who embraced after signing the defense pact.
Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, are growing wary about the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor. The strategic defense pact with Pakistan could be seen as a response to these concerns.
It is estimated that more than 2.5 million Pakistani nationals are currently living and working in Saudi Arabia. The economic ties between the two countries are expected to strengthen further as a result of this defense pact.
However, no detailed information about Saudi Arabia's ties with Pakistan and India was provided in the text. It is also worth noting that no specific information about Qataris being 'very angry' was mentioned in the provided text.
In conclusion, the strategic defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signifies a significant shift in regional security dynamics. The agreement aims to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries and jointly deter any potential aggression. The move also reflects Saudi Arabia's strategy to maintain strong relations with both Pakistan and India.
