Historically, Pakistan has leveraged its military strength to secure economic backing, particularly from the US and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, provides vast capital, energy market dominance and regional diplomatic weight. For Saudi Arabia, closer defence ties with Islamabad could provide an additional layer of deterrence at a time when the kingdom faces threats from Iran while also navigating its relationship with Israel. For Pakistan, closer ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkey could provide a strategic counterweight to India. While Saudi Arabia maintains extensive economic and trade ties with New Delhi, the collective defence framework further strengthens Pakistan’s role as a security partner for key Gulf powers.