India Responds to Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact, Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
India has formally reacted to the newly signed Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which pledges that an attack on one nation will be considered an attack on both. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the deal as a continuation of a long-standing defence arrangement between Riyadh and Islamabad but noted that New Delhi will carefully study its implications for regional stability.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government remains fully committed to protecting India’s national interests across all domains and ensuring the country’s comprehensive security. He emphasized that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty while closely monitoring the pact’s impact on the geopolitical landscape.
The agreement was signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, highlighting deepening military ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Analysts suggest the deal reflects Gulf states’ growing concerns about regional threats and their search for stronger security partnerships beyond the United States.
India, which shares strong energy and trade relations with Saudi Arabia, is expected to engage diplomatically with Riyadh while keeping a close watch on Islamabad’s expanding defence partnerships. The development comes at a time when South Asia and the Middle East face increasing strategic realignments amid shifting global power dynamics.
