Overview

• Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on September 17 that pledges collective response to aggression against either state.
• Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the pact as defensive and said Pakistan’s capabilities, including its nuclear deterrent, would be available to Saudi Arabia.
• Asif also said participation by additional Arab countries is possible, noting that the doors are not closed to others joining.
• Eurasia Group’s Ian Bremmer said the United States likely knew about the agreement in advance and did not strongly oppose it, though it was not the deal’s architect.
• India urged Saudi Arabia to consider mutual interests and sensitivities, while analysts warned of potential overstretch for Pakistan and suggested China’s influence, with key terms of the pact still undisclosed.