Pak-Saudi defence pact: Beginning of Islamic Nato?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu altered the security calculus in West Asia on September 9 when Israel launched a missile strike on Qatar.

- Ashwin Ahmad

The action, which subsequently saw meetings between Gulf leaders, led to the signing of the Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defence Agreement (SPMDA). Signed on September 17, between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir, the SPMDA has led to deep concerns in New Delhi, with one clause standing out.

“Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” the clause said, leading to speculation within India. Would the Kingdom condone and even support a possible attack by Pakistan? Would this be the beginning of an Islamic NATO? What should India do in response?

Former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Talmiz Ahmad, dismisses such concerns. Ahmad argues that the pact should not be seen through an India-Pakistan lens but rather be related to wider concerns taking place among Gulf nations.

“The attack shows the US has become fatigued, and the region is searching for a wider security architecture. The signing of the SPMDA is the first step towards achieving this. External players such as Russia, China, and Turkey will now become more important. India should also leverage its ties to jockey for more influence in West Asia.”