Gwadar Secrets: Saudi Arabia And Pakistan’s New Arabian Sea Game – Strategic Hub Or Military Base? | World News
Riyadh: In a move closely followed by strategic analysts, Saudi Arabia is partnering with Pakistan to transform Gwadar Port into a major strategic hub with potential future military implications. Saudi Arabia’s planned investment in Gwadar and the dual-use proposal of the Gwadar-Karachi Coastal Highway aims to improve cargo movement and strengthen logistics support for the port.
Intelligence sources said the kingdom plans to develop integrated logistics parks for cargo in Karachi, Gwadar, Jeddah and Dammam. A joint cruise and marine tourism corridor is also proposed to connect Karachi, Gwadar, Jeddah and Riyadh’s ambitious NEOM project (which is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030).
The initiative not only strengthens Saudi regional connectivity but also positions Gwadar as a potential key maritime hub.
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Strategic Plan for Gwadar
The plan sets out a broader vision for maritime security and strategic cooperation. Gwadar is planned to host the Regional Maritime Fusion and Response Center, which will serve as a hub for joint naval exercises, training and coordination with Iran, Oman, Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other regional navies.
The center will also serve as an emergency and disaster response center.
Intelligence sources confirmed that Saudi Arabia aims to establish a foothold in Gwadar through sister port agreements with Jeddah and Dammam, while Pakistan aims to gain economic benefits. The proposal also includes seafood-related initiatives such as aquaculture export centres, Saudi Arabia-funded seafood processing units and joint ventures in shrimp and tuna farming, including hatcheries and processing plants. All of these are within Gwadar Free Zone.
The centre’s collaboration with the Pakistan Maritime Academy will enhance capacity building, provide specialized training and further strengthen the region’s maritime capabilities.
Riyadh’s Arabian Sea Targets
Experts said that Saudi Arabia wanted a military center in the Arabian Sea and China was behind it. If the kingdom had no such intention, why would it sign a military agreement with Pakistan in September?
“This is not just about trade. Saudi Arabia has close ties with China and they plan to engage in three potential conflicts in the next 8-10 years, while Xi Jinping is China’s president, one against Taiwan and the other against India. China is developing an economic corridor through Pakistan across the Straits of Malacca.”
They claimed that Beijing’s involvement was obvious. Experts said that even a mosquito cannot move in Pakistan without its approval. Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in Gwadar goes beyond investment or trade; It is directly linked to long-term strategic interests in the Arabian Sea, the Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean. This port could develop into a new multi-polar maritime hub, which could create future challenges for India.
Implications, Next Steps
The Gwadar initiative highlights the delicate balance between commercial, strategic and security interests in the Arabian Sea. As Riyadh and Pakistan strengthen their cooperation, there may be a major shift in maritime influence and maritime logistics in the region; This could have implications for regional powers, trade routes and security dynamics.
