Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement (Pakistan–USA)

19 May 1954 · Karachi

Pakistan & South Asia

Background

Pakistan sought security against India and economic help; the USA wanted allies against the Soviet Union. The agreement brought US arms, training and aid. Pakistan joined SEATO the same year and the Baghdad Pact in 1955, which India strongly opposed.

Signed by

Pakistan and the United States

Why it matters

Began large-scale US military aid to Pakistan and brought Pakistan into the Western camp in the Cold War.