The story of today’s Middle East is marked by rapid transformation and shifting alliances, challenging old certainties and redefining regional dynamics. Once ruled with an iron grip by conservative Wahhabi clerics, Saudi Arabia is undergoing profound social and religious reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Valentine’s Day roses, music concerts, and women in the workforce are now part of daily life in Riyadh, where once the rhythms were dictated by puritanical law and relentless prayer schedules. Yet, beneath this surface of change, the Wahhabi influence still shapes critical decisions. Saudi Arabia’s recent move to sign a nuclear defense pact with Pakistan underscores the complex interplay between tradition, security concerns, and evolving international partnerships. Meanwhile, Pakistan grapples with its alliances, particularly with the United States amid the fallout from the Hamas issue and conflicting government statements.
Growing bonds beyond religion
For decades, cynics have counted religious identity as the overriding bond in Middle Eastern diplomacy, yet Saudi Arabia and India prove that mutual interests often transcend faith. While India is not a Muslim- majority nation, Saudi Arabia has consistently invested in its success, from pledging $100 billion through its sovereign wealth fund to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for high-profile state visits. The relationship draws on a long history of commerce, energy cooperation, and political support. During global crises, Saudi Arabia has backed India, such as by supporting Indian citizens during emergencies and providing crucial oil supplies when energy prices spiked.
The Kingdom’s shift toward religious moderation and liberalisation also signals openness to diverse partners. Relaxation of strict laws, curbing clerics’ influence, and encouragement of interfaith dialogue all strengthen India’s ongoing partnership. Notably, despite Saudi Arabia's nuclear umbrella agreement with Pakistan, India remains a favored ally for investment and innovation, drawing Saudi support even in delicate circumstances. Meanwhile, India's refusal to openly side with Pakistan in recent disputes highlights a pragmatic approach focused on strategic interests rather than communal or religious divides.
Such moves, coupled with India’s diplomatic reminders to Saudi Arabia to honor their mutual interests, reinforce that the Indian government’s stance is far from Islamophobic. Instead, it actively seeks peace and cooperation, leveraging its strong ties with the Gulf region.
Nuclear umbrella and Trump diplomacy
Pakistan’s recent strategic gambit has drawn global scrutiny and opened a fresh chapter in the region’s balance of power. The agreement, unveiled in September 2025, states that any aggression against either partner shall be considered aggression against both, a step interpreted by many as extending Pakistani nuclear deterrence to Saudi Arabia. While Pakistani officials backtracked on explicit nuclear cooperation, Saudi interlocutors see the pact as including all military means. This alignment builds on decades of cooperation, Pakistan’s troops have long guarded Saudi borders, and financial infusions from Riyadh have stabilised Pakistan’s economy during times of crisis.
Yet, Pakistan’s foreign policy remains far from settled. In recent months, field marshal Asim Munir has consolidated power in Pakistan, and his June 2025 visit to the White House marked a turning point. President Trump’s outreach to Pakistan, amid growing U.S.-India trade tensions, signaled a possible recalibration of American alliances. Trump even claimed to have pressured India into ending hostilities, a diplomatic nod appreciated by Pakistan’s leaders.
At the same time, Pakistan showcased its rare earths and oil reserves to American negotiators, hoping to secure desperately needed economic aid. The country faces dire challenges: a disastrous flood displaced million, IMF bailouts have been required, and economic forecasts remain grim. These distress signals have prompted Pakistan to seek affirmation from both Saudi Arabia and the U.S., even as its official statements vacillate. Earlier support for Trump on the Hamas conflict has given way to attempts to distance Pakistan from American policies, revealing an internal rift and strategic uncertainty. It is a government divided in outlook, with its military calling the real shots while elected leaders struggle for footing.
The modern Middle East, led by Saudi modernization and nuclear brinkmanship, is not driven purely by religious doctrine. Instead, realpolitik, investment flows, and evolving alliances shape the future. India remains central to Saudi Arabia’s economic and diplomatic outreach, disproving allegations of Islamophobia. Pakistan, caught between historic ties and present-day crises, finds itself torn in crafting a coherent foreign policy with the U.S. and others.