Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement; India to study implications
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh on 17 September 2025, stating that aggression against either is aggression against both; India's MEA said on 18 September it would study the implications.
Summary
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh on 17 September 2025 during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's state visit. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sharif signed the pact, which states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both. Their joint statement said the agreement aims to develop defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence. On 18 September, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement, had been under consideration. India said it would study the implications for its national security and for regional and global stability, and remained committed to protecting its national interests.
Key facts
- Agreement
- Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
- Signed
- 17 September 2025, Riyadh
- Signatories
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; PM Shehbaz Sharif
- Core clause
- Aggression against either is aggression against both
- India's response
- MEA (18 Sep): aware it was under consideration; will study implications for national security
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In which city did Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on 17 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Riyadh
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and PM Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement in Riyadh during Sharif's state visit.
What is the core clause of the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement of September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both
The joint statement said the agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.
Consider the following statements about India's official response to the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defence pact: 1. The MEA said the Government was aware that the development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement, had been under consideration. 2. The MEA said India would study its implications for national security as well as for regional and global stability. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Government was aware the pact had been under consideration and that India would study its implications for national security and for regional and global stability.