Strategic Shifts in South Asia

Question:

What is the significance of the new defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and how does it impact India–Pakistan relations and India’s strategic posture?

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Answer:

In September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA)—a formal elevation of their long-standing military cooperation. The pact includes:

– A mutual defence clause: An attack on one is considered an attack on both.

– Joint military cooperation: Training, intelligence sharing, and coordinated exercises.

– Strategic deterrence: Aimed at strengthening regional posture, though no specific adversary is named.

Impact on India–Pakistan Relations

– Diplomatic Leverage for Pakistan: The pact gives Pakistan symbolic backing from a major Islamic power, potentially emboldening its stance toward India.

– Narrative Shift: Pakistan may use this alliance to project deterrence and reduce diplomatic isolation.

– Proxy Risks: There’s concern that militant groups could feel emboldened under perceived strategic cover.

– India’s Response: The Indian government has reacted cautiously, signaling it will study the pact’s implications for regional stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Military Strength

Saudi Arabia ranks among the top 25 global militaries, with:

– Advanced air power: F-15SA, Eurofighter Typhoon, and drone capabilities.

– Armored ground forces: Over 1,500 tanks and elite brigades.

– Missile defence: Patriot PAC-3, THAAD, and integrated radar networks.

– Strategic limitations: Operational dependence on foreign contractors and fragmented command structures.

India’s Strategic Imperative (Personal View)

In light of these developments, I believe India must:

1. Form its own strategic defence bloc with like-minded partners (e.g., Quad, France, Israel, UAE).

2. Strengthen its nuclear arsenal to ensure credible deterrence across land, sea, and air.

3. Build a multi-front capable military to counter threats from Pakistan, China, and maritime encirclement.

India must evolve from reactive diplomacy to proactive strategic architecture—rooted in resilience, deterrence, and alliances that reflect its civilizational depth and democratic strength.

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Disclaimer:

This blog post reflects my personal opinion and interpretation of current geopolitical developments. It is intended for archival and reflective purposes as part of the Ashok Chronicles.

My Memoirs – Short real life stories

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