STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE SAUDI–PAKISTAN DEFENCE DEAL FOR SOUTH ASIAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN SECURITY DYNAMICS

Abstract

The new, intensified Saudi-Pakistan defence partnership is an indicator of a significant change in collaboration in interregional security, combining South Asian with Middle Eastern strategic interests. In this work, the historical background behind the partnership, the driving forces, and the overall geopolitical implications are examined. As Saudi Arabia tries to expand its military capacity and diversify its security partners through the current tensions with Iran, and Pakistan tries to obtain a helping hand economically, maintain the urgency of its military, and improve its relations with the Gulf. The article assesses the impacts of this cooperation on Middle Eastern security processes, especially the Iran-Saudi conflict, GCC military arrangements, counterterrorism activities and their repercussions on South Asian stability with respect to India-Pakistan relations as well as the Chinese contribution to this balance. The conclusion is that despite the advantages of improved security cooperation, the deal also brings risks of increased rivalries and leads to a more complex, multi-polar and connected regional order.