India Closely Monitoring Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Historic Defense Agreement

New Delhi: India has responded suspiciously to the signing of a landmark defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that it will carefully assess the deal’s potential impact on national security and regional stability.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that New Delhi is closely monitoring the developments and had been following the discussions for some time. He described the pact as a formal acknowledgment of the existing understanding between Islamabad and Riyadh.

“We will evaluate what this development means for our national security and for broader regional and global stability,” Jaiswal stated. He reassured that India’s security apparatus remains robust, comprehensive, and fully capable of safeguarding the country’s interests across all domains.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Riyadh, commits Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to mutual defense in the event of any external aggression. It also assigns Pakistan a significant role in protecting the Two Holy Mosques, further expanding military collaboration between the two countries.

Defense analysts note that the pact strengthens joint military capabilities, promotes integration of armed forces, and enhances cooperation in training, exercises, and defense industry initiatives. The agreement reflects both nations’ shared objective of maintaining peace while addressing present and future regional challenges.

For Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the deal represents a major milestone in bilateral relations, combining military partnership with broader economic and diplomatic cooperation. For India, it introduces a new strategic dynamic in the region, which it intends to examine carefully before formulating any response.

The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in Riyadh on September 17 during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit. He was welcomed at Al-Yamamah Palace by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Under the accord, aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both. The pact commits both sides to closer defense coordination, enhanced deterrence, and a joint dedication to regional and international peace. Officials noted that it builds on nearly eight decades of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and aligned strategic interests.

The signing ceremony included Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and senior Saudi officials.

The agreement comes at a sensitive period in the Middle East, shortly after an Israeli strike in Qatar that sparked widespread outrage across the Muslim world. Analysts suggest the deal highlights Riyadh’s confidence in Islamabad as a reliable partner and underscores Pakistan’s standing as a capable Muslim power with nuclear capabilities.

Experts have described the pact as historic and unprecedented. Unlike previous defense arrangements, this agreement includes a binding mutual defense clause. Observers believe it will strengthen Pakistan–Saudi relations and influence regional security, sending a clear deterrent message amid growing geopolitical tensions.

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