Pakistan eyes broader Muslim tie-up with Saudi Arabia, with new twist: What it means for India

Pakistan eyes broader Muslim defence alliance with Saudi Arabia

• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia may expand defense pact to include other Muslim nations
• Proposal suggests NATO-style alliance, including Turkey and other potential members
• India-Saudi relations strong, unlikely affected by proposed defense framework

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Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are exploring the possibility of expanding their existing strategic defence partnership into a broader collective security framework that could include other Muslim-majority countries, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said.

Speaking on regional security challenges, Asif said the Islamic world needs deeper defence and strategic cooperation to address emerging threats. He indicated that Islamabad and Riyadh could mutually decide to expand their current Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and develop formal terms of reference that would allow other countries to join.

According to Asif, nations such as Turkey and other willing Muslim states could be included, potentially transforming a bilateral defence pact into a wider multilateral security arrangement. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025.

Asif warned of what he described as a rising “Zionist threat” and said the Islamic world risks strategic vulnerability if it remains fragmented. He said the time has come for Muslim nations to enter into a comprehensive defence and strategic agreement to avoid being politically or militarily weakened in the future.

Pakistan argues that growing instability in the Middle East, Israel’s expanding military footprint, ongoing Gaza-related tensions, Iran–Israel proxy confrontations, and shifting US strategic priorities underscore the need for greater coordination among Muslim states. Officials say Muslim countries acting individually face greater risks than those acting collectively.

At present, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia already cooperate on military training and advisory roles, intelligence sharing, defence production and arms cooperation, and strategic consultations. The 2025 agreement reportedly includes a collective defence clause under which aggression against one signatory would be treated as an attack on all, mirroring the structure of NATO’s Article 5.

While the full text of the agreement has not been made public, reports suggest it allows Pakistan’s military capabilities to factor into Saudi Arabia’s defence planning if required.

The proposed framework has been described by Pakistani officials as a NATO-style military alliance for Muslim-majority countries. However, the proposal remains at an early stage and would depend on the willingness of multiple countries to participate.

The discussion comes amid broader geopolitical developments, including deepening defence and strategic ties between India and Gulf countries. Recently, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan concluded a visit to New Delhi, where agreements were finalised to expand India-UAE cooperation across defence, trade, energy, and technology.

For now, Pakistan’s proposal signals intent to broaden defence cooperation within the Islamic world, with any future framework contingent on political consensus among participating states.

Will this impact India-Saudi relations? 

India and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic ties in 1947 and have since built a steady and multi-dimensional partnership anchored in political trust, economic cooperation, and strategic engagement.

During his first visit to the nation, PM Modi was conferred the King Abdulaziz Sash, the Kingdom’s highest civilian honour. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2019 visit to India marked another milestone, with Riyadh announcing $100 billion in planned investments and signing multiple MoUs.

Economic ties remain robust. India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, while the Kingdom is among India’s top five. In FY 2023–24, bilateral trade reached $42.98 billion, reflecting strong energy, trade, and investment linkages. Defence cooperation has also expanded, with joint naval exercises under ‘Al Mohed Al Hindi’, the first-ever land exercise ‘Ex-Sada Tanseeq I’ in 2024, and a $225 million defence export deal signed the same year.

Against this backdrop, analysts say recent regional developments are unlikely to alter the trajectory of India–Saudi relations. Saudi Arabia maintains diversified partnerships and has consistently signalled its intent to balance regional ties without undermining long-standing strategic partners. India, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring “comprehensive national security in all domains.”