Saudi-Pak Defence Deal: Why India Can Stay Calm and Confident

20 September 2025

On 17 September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). The deal says that any attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both. It was announced with big statements, and naturally it caught the attention of India. Many in India worry about what this deal could mean for our national security. After all, Pakistan is our neighbour and has a long history of conflict with us.

But a closer look shows that India should not panic. There are strong reasons why this agreement does not really change the balance of power against India. The pact may sound bold, but in practice, it is more limited. Let us understand why.

Old Relationship, New Label

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been close allies for decades. Pakistan has trained Saudi soldiers, and Pakistani troops have often been stationed in the kingdom to help guard it. Saudi Arabia has also provided Pakistan with financial support in difficult times. So, the SMDA is not something brand new. It is more like giving an official name to a friendship that already exists.

This means India is not facing a new alliance out of nowhere. It is a continuation of ties that were already there. The difference is that now it has been written down in a defence agreement.

The Nuclear Question

One of the main worries is whether this deal brings Pakistan’s nuclear weapons under Saudi Arabia’s umbrella. Some media reports have suggested that the agreement could mean Pakistan’s nuclear shield extends to Saudi Arabia. But Pakistan itself has said that nuclear weapons are “not on the radar” of the pact. There is no evidence that the deal includes direct nuclear commitments.

India should keep in mind that nuclear issues are highly sensitive. Pakistan would think twice before linking its nuclear deterrent openly to Saudi Arabia. Such a step would invite global scrutiny and even sanctions. For now, the SMDA is more about general defence cooperation, not about nuclear sharing.

India-Saudi Friendship Is Growing

Another key point is India’s own relationship with Saudi Arabia. In recent years, New Delhi and Riyadh have grown very close. Trade is booming. Saudi Arabia is one of India’s biggest oil suppliers. Indian companies are investing in Saudi projects, and Saudi investors are putting money into Indian infrastructure.

Defence ties are also improving. India and Saudi Arabia have held joint military exercises. They are talking about deeper cooperation in maritime security and technology. Saudi leaders know that India is an important partner. They will not want to risk this relationship by openly siding with Pakistan in ways that hurt India.

In other words, Saudi Arabia is balancing both relationships. It values Pakistan as a traditional partner but also sees India as a rising power and a massive economic market.

Limits of the Pact

Big announcements in international politics often sound stronger than they really are. The SMDA says both countries will respond to “any aggression.” But what does “aggression” mean? Does it include border skirmishes? Does it mean nuclear attacks? The deal does not say. There are no clear details about how each country will support the other in case of a crisis.

Practical problems also matter. Even if Saudi Arabia wanted to help Pakistan in a conflict with India, how would it do so? Sending troops across thousands of kilometres is not easy. Saudi Arabia’s main military focus is on defending its own region, especially from threats like Iran. It is unlikely that Riyadh would involve itself deeply in South Asia’s disputes.

India’s Own Strengths

India is not a weak player in this story. Our armed forces are strong and well prepared. India has modernised its army, navy, and air force. It has a credible nuclear deterrent and advanced missile systems. India is also supported by strong diplomatic networks with powers like the United States, France, and Russia.

Any country considering hostile action against India knows that India can defend itself and also strike back effectively. The Saudi-Pak deal does not change this basic reality.

India’s Smart Diplomacy

The Indian government has already responded wisely to the news. Officials have said they will study the pact and its implications. At the same time, India continues to engage Saudi Arabia positively. This is the right approach. By strengthening economic and cultural ties, India ensures that Saudi Arabia sees it as a trusted partner.

Moreover, global powers are also watching the SMDA closely. The United States, for example, has strong ties with both Saudi Arabia and India. It will not want this agreement to destabilise the region. Saudi Arabia too will think carefully before using the pact in ways that might cause trouble with other partners.

Why India Can Stay Relaxed

When we put all these points together, a clear picture emerges:

1. The Saudi-Pak deal mostly formalises old ties.
2. Nuclear commitments are not openly part of it.
3. India and Saudi Arabia themselves have strong relations.
4. The pact is vague and faces practical limits.
5. India has its own strong military and global partnerships.
6. Smart diplomacy ensures India is not isolated.

Therefore, India does not need to be overly worried. Caution and close monitoring are necessary, but panic is not. The SMDA may add some headlines, but it does not change the ground realities much.

Final Thoughts

The Saudi-Pakistan deal has symbolic value for both countries. Pakistan can show its people that it has strong allies. Saudi Arabia can show its region that it has defence partners. But for India, the deal should be seen as more noise than real threat.

India’s rise as an economic and strategic power, its balanced diplomacy, and its strong defence posture give it confidence. As long as India keeps strengthening its partnerships and maintaining readiness, no single agreement between others can seriously harm its security.

The message is clear: India can watch calmly, respond wisely, and continue on its path of strength.