The Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defence Pact: A New Geopolitical Equation in West Asia
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (Bilateral relations, Defence Pacts); Nuclear Proliferation; Current events of international importance (West Asia conflict).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. The changing security architecture of West Asia is a core IR topic for India.
Key Highlights from the News
Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a crucial mutual defence pact.
According to the agreement, "an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both countries." This is a collective security agreement.
Israel's recent strike on Qatar was a major factor that expedited the signing of this agreement. This sends a message to both Israel and Iran.
Concerns have intensified about whether Saudi Arabia will come under Pakistan's "nuclear umbrella" through this agreement.
The historical link, where Saudi Arabia previously provided financial assistance to Pakistan's nuclear program, further enhances the importance of this agreement.
This move is likely to significantly alter the military-strategic equations in West Asia.
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