Overview

• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on Sept. 17, declaring that aggression against one will be treated as aggression against both.
• An AFP-cited source and Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi said Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent would cover the kingdom, and Pakistan’s defence minister signaled such capabilities would be available, though analysts note the claim remains contested and sparsely sourced.
• Ian Bremmer said the United States was aware of the pact before its announcement and did not raise strong objections, characterizing the move as part of Saudi hedging.
• Defence Minister Khawaja Asif indicated the framework could expand to include other Arab states, saying the doors are not closed to additional members.
• India urged Saudi Arabia to consider mutual interests and sensitivities, while Pakistani business groups cast the deal as a catalyst for Saudi investment and formalization of long-standing security ties.