Politics of oil behind that head-scratching defence deal

What's the deal with the surprise defence pact announced by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?

- Ravi Velloor Senior Columnist

Earlier in September, the two raised eyebrows around the world when Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif flew to Riyadh to sign the agreement with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, formalising decades of close military cooperation.

The pact declares that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”, according to official releases by the two countries. While the full text is not available, it appears the two will establish permanent coordination mechanisms, including a joint military committee, intelligence-sharing arrangements and expanded training programmes.

Pakistan has a military well-tested in facing down a prolonged domestic insurgency, and frequent tensions with India. Since the defence pact - bound to displease India, although New Delhi has not officially reacted - was announced days after Israel’s bombing of US ally Qatar to strike at Hamas leadership, it was generally seen as emblematic of the rising insecurity felt by Gulf monarchies over US security guarantees, and their search for alternatives.

Others saw it as part of a broader shifting of the security order, and preparations for what is perceived as inevitable American withdrawal from the region, just as Washington seems to be doing in Europe. A few thought it would further ease Chinese arms sales to the kingdom, which have taken off since 2022.

For Pakistan, which India has consistently tried to isolate diplomatically, the pact is the latest in a series of recent victories on the global stage. That includes the unprecedented hosting to lunch of its army chief by US President Donald Trump, and Prime Minister Sharif himself being recently received by Mr Trump at the White House all at a time when its strategic ties with China have been demonstrably steadfast, including during the recent clash with India.

But could there be more to this Saudi-Pakistan pact than meets the eye?