Overview

• Signed on September 17 in Riyadh, the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement declares an attack on one state an attack on both.
• Pakistan’s defence minister said all national capabilities, including its nuclear deterrent, would be available to Saudi interests and noted the door is open to other Arab participants.
• Ian Bremmer said Washington knew of the pact ahead of its announcement and likely did not strongly oppose it, though the US did not originate the idea.
• India’s foreign ministry urged Saudi Arabia to keep mutual interests and sensitivities in view as New Delhi assesses the deal’s regional implications.
• Analysts highlight potential operational and fiscal strains for Pakistan, debate possible Chinese backing, and discuss early-stage implementation steps and prospective Saudi investment in Pakistan’s defence industry as proposals rather than settled commitments.