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Pak-Saudi Joint Defense: Is Pakistan A Major Power or Bit Player in the Middle East?
The recently signed “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan states that “any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both”. It is being seen by some geopolitical analysts as the beginning of an "Islamic NATO". Others, such as Indian-American analyst Shadanand Dhume, have dismissed Pakistan as no more than a "bit player" in the Middle East. Where does the truth lie?
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| Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif(L) with Saudi Crown Prince MBS |
Is Pakistan really capable of defending Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf nations against external aggression such as the recent Israeli attack on Qatar? Can Pakistan provide a nuclear umbrella to deter aggression against its friends in the Middle East? Or is it too weak economically and unstable politically to provide security guarantees to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates? Let's try and understand the context which has brought about this bilateral security arrangement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The oil-rich Gulf Arab nations have long relied on the West for their security. But, on September 9, 2025, when Israel launched an airstrike on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar, the U.S. and its western allies did nothing to defend the Qataris. It’s notable that this attack occurred on a U.S. ally which hosts the largest American military base in the region. The fact that the United States did nothing to stop this Israeli aggression has shaken the confidence of the G.C.C. nations in the willingness of the United States to defend them, particularly from any Israeli attacks. Israel has attacked almost every country in the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen in the last 12 months. Israel has gone rogue. It is carrying out a genocide in Gaza with impunity. It is being aided and abetted by the West in its crimes against humanity. It appears to have the license from the United States to do so.
Given these realities, who can the Gulf Arabs turn to for security? Which Muslim nation has Saudi Arabia had the closest military ties with for decades? Which country with nuclear weapons is most likely to deter attacks on the Saudis from nuclear-armed adversaries like Israel? Who else but nuclear-armed Pakistan!
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| Oval Office Photo: L to R: VP JD Vance, President Trump, PM Sharif, FM Munir & Sec of State Rubio |
There has been no official reaction to the Pakistani-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement so far. However, judging from the recent cordial meeting of the Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir with President Trump at the White House, it appears that Team Trump does not object to it.
In recent years, Pakistan has emerged as a credible military power in terms of both conventional and nuclear capabilities. The Pakistani military's strong performance was recognized in May this year as it responded to what India called its "Operation Sindoor". The country has developed a range of short and medium-range missiles capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Its longest range missile Shaheen 3 can hit deep inside India and Israel. Last year, the Biden administration imposed sanctions against Pakistan after accusing it of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the US mainland.
In January this year at an Islamabad event, Ambassador Munir Akram articulated potential rationales for developing a missile of increased range, according to the US Congressional Research Service. A missile exceeding the Shaheen-III range may be necessary to reach Indian missiles deployed on bases in the Indian Ocean located "well beyond" the Shaheen-III range, he said, adding that India has sought to establish access to such bases. Akram also posited that Pakistan may need to develop an indigenous space launch vehicle or an anti-satellite weapon; ballistic missile programs can aid the development of such platforms.
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| Biden Administration Accused Pakistan of Developing Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles |
Yes, Pakistan does have a weak economy. But that is primarily because of significant underinvestment over decades. That’s where the oil-rich Gulf Arab nations can help. They have been investing trillions of dollars in the West in the hope of getting security from them. They have huge sovereign investment funds which can invest in Pakistan. Even if they invest a fraction of what they have invested in the U.S., the positive effects on Pakistan’s economy will be immense.
As to Pakistan’s political instability, it can be managed by a hybrid system of government where the politicians and the generals reach an understanding to benefit both as well as the country. It will also serve Saudi interests to use its considerable influence in Pakistan to bring political and economic stability to the country.
Given today's geopolitical realities, Pakistan is the best choice for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to deter aggression from Israel and other aggressors in the region. Gulf Arab nations have generally welcomed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, viewing it as a move that strengthens regional security amid concerns about US commitments. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has also welcomed it, describing it as "a beginning for a comprehensive regional security system". In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, he said: “Iran welcomes the defensive pact between the two brotherly Muslim countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as a beginning for a comprehensive regional security system with the cooperation of the Muslim states of West Asia in the political security and defense domains”.
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Riaz Haq
yesterday
Riaz Haq
@maheshperi
Nepal, the only Hindu state, is anti-India.
Bangladesh, a country we liberated, is our enemy.
Sri Lanka, for who we fought a war, is against us.
Maldives threw us out of their country.
China, who helped Pakistan in operation Sindoor is our biggest trading partner and supposed to be a friend.
USA, of ‘Ab Ki Baar Trump Sarkaar’ imposed sanctions and we are unsure whether it is a friend or an enemy.
New Zealand saw anti Indianprotest.
Japan saw an anti Indian protest.
Canada restricted Indian student inflows.
Australia imposed restrictions on Indian students.
S Jaishankar, the man with laser eyes, is the best External Affairs Minister.
India is a VISHWA GURU.
Good Morning India.
https://x.com/maheshperi/status/2004725084821623060?s=61&t=mgTx...
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India's South Asia regional diplomacy faces significant challenges and perceived failures, often attributed to a combination of India's perceived "big-brother" attitude, unresolved bilateral disputes, slow project delivery, and the growing influence of China in the region. These issues have contributed to a strained relationship with most of its neighbors and the paralysis of regional bodies like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Key Areas of Diplomatic Strain
India-Pakistan Rivalry: The long-standing, deep-rooted conflict over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism has effectively paralyzed SAARC, as India has prioritized national security concerns over broad regional integration, leading to the cancellation of the 2016 summit and subsequent meetings.
Growing Chinese Influence: China has effectively filled the infrastructure and investment gaps in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering large-scale projects and loans with fewer political strings attached than India. Countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives have increasingly turned to China for development, reducing their reliance on India.
Perceived "Big-Brother" Attitude: Smaller neighboring countries often view India's actions as overreach or interference in their domestic politics. Examples cited include the unofficial blockade of Nepal in 2015 and a perceived partisan tilt toward specific political factions in Bangladesh, which has alienated other political forces.
Economic Diplomacy and Delivery Deficit: Despite initiatives like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), India's trade with South Asia remains low, accounting for a small percentage of its global trade. Neighbors frequently complain about non-tariff barriers, trade imbalances, and India's failure to complete promised infrastructure projects on time, leading to a "delivery deficit" that damages trust.
Unresolved Bilateral Issues: Specific, ongoing disputes further strain relations. A major example is the unresolved Teesta River water-sharing dispute with Bangladesh, where domestic political opposition within India has prevented a resolution, causing significant resentment in Bangladesh.
Domestic Politics Influencing Foreign Policy: Indian domestic political issues, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), have sparked concerns and damaged India's image in neighboring Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh.
Consequences
The primary consequence of these diplomatic challenges is India's failure to establish itself as an undisputed regional leader. This has resulted in a more fragmented South Asian region where countries pursue pragmatic foreign policies, often balancing between India and China, and regional cooperation mechanisms remain weak or ineffective.
yesterday
Riaz Haq
Suhasini Haider
@Suhasinih
Avoid becoming a "Vishwavictim"-
After a year of disspating promises on the foreign policy front, Indian diplomacy must learn lessons for 2026- my piece on the disappointing year in India's ties with Global Powers and in the neighbourhood. @the_hindu
https://x.com/suhasinih/status/2004363014821368030?s=61&t=mgTxr...
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A year of dissipating promises for Indian foreign policy
Premium
New Delhi confronts challenges that concern economic and energy security, global strategic stability, and regional security
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-year-of-dissipating-promise...
The year 2025 began as one of considerable promise for Indian foreign policy. After 2024, a year that was dominated by national elections and political recalibration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to resume active diplomacy, with a full calendar of bilateral visits and multilateral engagements. Relations with the United States were expected to be reset under the second term of the Trump administration, continuing from Donald Trump’s first term. Long-running Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations with partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union (EU) seemed imminent, with commitments to complete them by the end of the year.
Across the geopolitical divide, a new engagement appeared to be taking shape with China after years of a stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), especially after Mr. Modi’s visit to China. Economic ties with Russia were also at a high point: India’s oil imports from Russia had surged to $52 billion, with U.S. and EU sanctions pressure having eased. Regionally, the government attempted to repair frayed relationships by reaching out to the Yunus administration in Bangladesh with a visit, in December 2024, by the Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, sending External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan (October 2024), engaging the Taliban leadership in Dubai (January 2025), and preparing for regional visits from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and others. Five years after the Balakot strikes and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi was also projecting confidence in its security posture and its deterrent capacity for terrorism from Pakistan.
21 hours ago