OLD PATRON, NEW LEASH: PAK PIVOTS TO RIYADH AS BEIJING STEPS BACK

Riyadh hedges amid US uncertainty, Islamabad seeks leverage beyond Beijing reliance.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA NEW DELHI

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif with Saudi crown prince Mohammed-bin-Salman

The recently signed Saudi Arabia-Pakistan mutual defence pact represents more than another military arrangement between two longtime partners.

According to Indian, Gulfand independent officials familiar with the matter, the agreement signals a strategic recalibration driven by Riyadh’s evolving security posture and Islamabad’s efforts to reduce its dependence on Beijing.

Officials assessed that the pact reflects both Gulf unease over the reliability of American security guarantees and Pakistan's attempt to diversify its external partnerships. “Riyadh is hedging against uncertainty, and Islamabad is looking for new patrons. But this is not a blank cheque—Saudi Arabia is also positioning itself to exercise greater leverage over Pakistan's strategic behaviour,” a senior Indian security official said.