Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have inked a NATO-style mutual defence pact, pledging to view an attack on either nation as an attack on both. Framed by Islamabad as a deterrent to future Operation Sindoor-type strikes from India, the deal signals a new geopolitical alignment. The agreement was formalized during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s invitation. India’s foreign ministry has responded with caution, saying it will “study the implications” while stressing that national security remains paramount. Coming months after Operation Sindoor crippled Pakistan’s terror infrastructure, the pact raises questions over whether Riyadh is offering Islamabad a strategic shield. Is India facing the emergence of a new security axis?