Will Saudi Arabia Back Pakistan in a War with India? Islamabad Makes Bold Claim

Pakistan has indicated that Saudi Arabia could be involved if a conflict arises under the newly signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which states that an attack on either country would be treated as aggression against both.

In an interview with Geo TV, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said, “Yes absolutely… it is just an umbrella from both sides that aggression from anywhere will be defended and answered to jointly,” without specifically naming India. He emphasized that the pact is not intended as an aggressive move.

On the question of nuclear weapons, Khawaja Asif gave conflicting statements. In one interview, he suggested Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia as per the agreement. In a separate interview with Reuters, he clarified that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar” of the pact, though the arrangement could be extended to other Gulf nations if needed.

The agreement, signed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, declares that any aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both. India reacted by reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests and ensuring comprehensive security.

The pact, accompanied by senior Pakistani officials including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, is seen as Pakistan’s most significant defence agreement in decades and strengthens its role in West Asian security architecture.