In a significant development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalised a strategic mutual defence agreement, marking a new chapter in regional security dynamics. The pact, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh, declares that an attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both. This agreement comes shortly after Israel's airstrike in Doha, which resulted in the deaths of senior Hamas leaders and sparked outrage across the Arab world.

The implications of this agreement are profound. Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state, is now officially linked to Saudi Arabia's defence strategy, altering the strategic landscape in both the Gulf and South Asia. A joint statement from Saudi and Pakistani officials noted, "This agreement... strengthens joint deterrence against any aggression," which many view as a direct response to Israel's recent military actions.

This pact challenges the traditional US-centric security framework in the Middle East, introducing new risks and alliances. For Israel, the inclusion of Pakistan's nuclear capabilities adds a new layer of deterrence against its military operations in the region. For India, the agreement could embolden Pakistan, complicating future conflicts and potentially shifting Arab support away from New Delhi.

The timing of the pact is crucial. Analysts suggest that the recent Israeli strike on Doha exposed vulnerabilities in Gulf security, prompting Saudi Arabia to solidify its defence relationship with Pakistan. While Saudi officials claim the pact is not aimed at any specific country, the context suggests otherwise. The ambiguity surrounding whether Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is included in the agreement adds to its deterrent effect without crossing international boundaries.

The signing has reignited discussions about the possibility of an Islamic or Arab NATO, a collective military alliance among Muslim nations. Although previous attempts at such a coalition have faltered, the current geopolitical climate may provide the necessary impetus for a more unified military front.

For Israel, this development complicates its military strategy. The recent airstrike aimed at Hamas leadership has not only jeopardised prospects for normalisation with Saudi Arabia but also unified Islamic sentiment against it. Future Israeli military actions in the Gulf could provoke a response from Pakistan, potentially escalating tensions further.

India is now faced with a delicate balancing act. With strong ties to both Saudi Arabia and Israel, New Delhi must navigate this new landscape carefully. The Indian government has acknowledged the implications of the Saudi-Pakistan pact and is committed to protecting its national interests. Analysts predict that India may deepen its defence cooperation with Israel and enhance military preparedness in response to the changing dynamics.

The United States, traditionally a key security partner in the Gulf, finds itself sidelined. Its muted response to the recent events has raised questions about its reliability as a security guarantor. Meanwhile, China stands to gain from this realignment, strengthening its ties with both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan while positioning itself as a mediator in the region.

As the situation evolves, the potential for further military collaborations among Gulf states and Pakistan could reshape the security architecture in the region, with far-reaching consequences for global geopolitics.