Highlights of the Defence Pact
The official joint statement emphasized that the agreement builds on the “historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, rooted in Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests, and close defence cooperation.
According to the agreement, both nations have committed to enhancing their security frameworks and strengthening deterrence against external threats. The pact aims to deepen defense collaboration, expand joint military exercises, and coordinate responses to regional security challenges.
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was also present during the high-profile meeting at the Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where the pact was formally signed.
India’s Measured Response
Reacting to the development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a carefully worded statement:
“We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.”
This response highlights India’s cautious approach—acknowledging the pact while signaling vigilance regarding its impact on regional stability.
Timing and Context
The signing comes at a delicate moment in India-Pakistan relations, strained further by the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent counter-offensive, Operation Sindoor.
Meanwhile, India’s ties with Saudi Arabia have steadily strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has visited the Kingdom three times. Saudi Arabia is now India’s second-largest trading partner, and during Modi’s 2016 visit, he was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, the nation’s highest civilian honour.
Earlier this year, during Modi’s state visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack. Both countries jointly declared that terrorism has “no justification under any circumstances” and urged global action against cross-border terrorism.
Strategic Significance
The Pakistan-Saudi defence pact not only reshapes regional alignments but also raises important questions for South Asia’s security architecture. With Saudi Arabia balancing close ties with both India and Pakistan, the agreement is expected to be closely monitored by policymakers in New Delhi.
For India, the focus remains on safeguarding national security while continuing to deepen its strategic partnership with Riyadh.
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