Desert Winds, Nuclear Clouds

The Saudi—Pakistan defence pact, with its nuclear undertones and Chinese shadow, signals a new power axis that India and Israel cannot afford to ignore

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The Saudi–Pakistan pact is a loud signal that the old order, anchored in US protection and Western security guarantees, is crumbling

The defence pact recently sealed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not just another diplomatic memorandum. It marks a pivotal shift in the balance of power stretching from the Gulf to South Asia, one that New Delhi and Tel Aviv would be reckless to ignore.

A Nuclear Umbrella over Riyadh

‘The most startling clause in the agreement is Islamabad’s confirmation that its nuclear programme, unique in the Muslim world, would be “made available” to Riyadh in case of aggression. Saudi Arabia has long harboured anxieties about being strategically outgunned by Israel and Iran. With Pakistan's deterrent notionally at its disposal, Riyadh has acquired leverage that could fundamentally alter calculations in the region.

But the pact is not simply about the nuclear file. Pakistan boasts a conventional military presence, ranking among the top ten militaries in the world, with a combat-tested Air Force that has already proven its superiority in confrontations with India. For Riyadh, long dependent on American protection, this pact marks a deliberate move to diversify its security architecture after the U.S. failed to prevent the strike on Doha.

‘The Shadow of China