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20 ways Saudi Arabia could support Pakistan without fighting India

Saudi Arabia could aid Pakistan in ways that stop short of direct war with India. 

1. Financial Aid
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(Photograph: AFP)

1. Financial Aid

Provide direct loans or grants to Pakistan to help stabilise its economy during wartime.

2. Oil on Credit
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(Photograph: AFP)

2. Oil on Credit

Supply crude oil at deferred payment terms, easing Pakistan’s fuel burden in conflict.

3. Discounted Energy Exports
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(Photograph: X)

3. Discounted Energy Exports

Lower oil prices for Pakistan, giving its military cheaper fuel for operations.

4. Arms Purchases on Pakistan’s Behalf
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(Photograph: AFP)

4. Arms Purchases on Pakistan’s Behalf

Buy weapons from the US or Europe and transfer them to Pakistan indirectly.

5. Drone Technology Transfers
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(Photograph: Wikipedia)

5. Drone Technology Transfers

Share surveillance or armed drone technology for battlefield use.

6. Intelligence Sharing
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(Photograph: X)

6. Intelligence Sharing

Provide intelligence from Gulf networks on India’s trade, naval, or diplomatic movements.

7. Joint Training Programs
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(Photograph: X)

7. Joint Training Programs

Host Pakistani officers in Saudi academies for specialised military training.

8. Logistical Support
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(Photograph: Army.mil)

8. Logistical Support

Offer bases or airfields for Pakistani aircraft refuelling or supply missions.

9. Cyber Assistance
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(Photograph: army.mil)

9. Cyber Assistance

Support Pakistan in cyber espionage or cyber disruption targeting Indian systems.

10. Diplomatic Backing
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(Photograph: Wikipedia)

10. Diplomatic Backing

Lobby at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and the UN in favour of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir or war issues.

11. Media and Narrative Support
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11. Media and Narrative Support

Fund media campaigns portraying Pakistan as the victim, shaping international opinion.

12. Humanitarian Aid
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12. Humanitarian Aid

Supply medical teams, field hospitals, and relief goods for civilian casualties in Pakistan.

13. Religious Influence
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13. Religious Influence

Use its standing in the Muslim world to rally other Islamic nations behind Pakistan diplomatically.

14. Investment Promises
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(Photograph: Wikimedia Commons)

14. Investment Promises

Announce large post-war investment pledges to reassure Pakistan’s markets and morale.

15. Refugee Hosting
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(Photograph: Wikimedia Commons)

15. Refugee Hosting

Open its borders for Pakistani refugees fleeing conflict zones.

16. Satellite Support
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(Photograph: Wikimedia Commons)

16. Satellite Support

Share satellite imagery for reconnaissance, surveillance, and early warning systems.

17. Naval Coordination
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17. Naval Coordination

Assist Pakistan in securing oil shipping routes through the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.

18. Mercenary Recruitment
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(Photograph: AFP)

18. Mercenary Recruitment

Allow private contractors or foreign fighters to join Pakistan’s forces unofficially.

19. Religious Donations Funnel
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(Photograph: AFP)

19. Religious Donations Funnel

Channel charitable funds through religious institutions to aid Pakistan’s wartime finances.

20. Arms Smuggling via Third Countries
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(Photograph: AFP)

20. Arms Smuggling via Third Countries

Use intermediaries like Gulf allies or African states to route weapons covertly into Pakistan.