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Saudi-Pakistan defence pact signals major shift in Middle East, South Asia security
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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Sept 17.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Ashraf Khan For The Straits Times
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- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement on Sept 17, signalling closer strategic ties and potential nuclear umbrella for Riyadh.
- The pact's timing, after the Doha attack, underscores concerns about regional security and perceived US reticence, prompting Riyadh to diversify defence strategies.
- Analysts suggest the agreement boosts Pakistan's strategic standing in the region, offering economic stability and bolstering its role in regional security.
AI generated
WASHINGTON – The recent defence pact between Riyadh and Islamabad not only enhances the strategic standing of Pakistan but also changes the regional security alignments in South Asia and the Middle East.
The Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
