Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have inked a pivotal defense agreement recognizing that an assault on one equates to an attack on both. A pressing question arises: how would Saudi Arabia react if India responds to a Pakistani terror strike with an 'Operation Sindoor'?
According to the strategic defense pact, Saudi Arabia is compelled to assist Pakistan if India were to attack. A Saudi official conveyed to Reuters that nuclear weapons use is also envisaged in the agreement, the full scope of which remains undisclosed.
Source: aajtak
Saudi Arabia's Security Dependency on the U.S.
Historically, Saudi Arabia leaned heavily on the U.S. for security. However, recent years have seen a strategic reevaluation and this pact with Pakistan is seen as a significant shift.
Identifying Saudi Arabia’s Adversaries
Saudi Arabia's primary adversaries include Iran and Israel, maintaining a partial dependence on U.S. support. According to the Global Firepower Database, Saudi ranks 24th among 145 nations, while ally Pakistan is 12th. India stands as the fourth largest military power worldwide, following the U.S., China, and Russia.
Source: aajtak
Saudi Arabia’s Military Force
Saudi Arabia sources most of its arms from the U.S., China, and Europe. It possesses around 280 fighter jets, mainly American-made fourth-generation F-15S and F-15C, alongside Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornado jets from Germany. Additionally, it employs U.S.-manufactured missile defense systems like THAAD and Patriot. While Saudi Arabia's missile arsenal remains somewhat opaque, it holds Chinese intermediate-range missiles, DF-3 and DF-21, designed for traditional rather than nuclear attacks. Hence, Saudi may require nuclear-capable armaments from Pakistan alongside conventional missiles if necessary.
Source: aajtak
PAK Ranks 29th in Defense Budget
Despite this, Saudi Arabia's advancement in ballistic missile capabilities is acknowledged. It ranks seventh globally in defense spending, Pakistan 29th, and India fourth, according to the 2024 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Source: aajtak
Significance of the Agreement for India
Though the pact seemingly targets Israel and Iran, it raises concerns in India as well. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed intentions to assess the agreement's implications on national security and regional stability, ensuring protection of India's interests.
India's Stance on Terrorism as Acts of War
Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, India launched attacks on Pakistani and PoK terror hubs via 'Operation Sindoor,' which persisted for four days and paused temporarily at Pakistan's request. India clarified that new terror strikes will be viewed as acts of war, warranting resumed operations if needed.
