Pak-Saudi pact warns: aggression triggers mutual defense
India, reacting cautiously, noted that the new Pakistan-Saudi Arabia pact merely formalizes an already existing understanding between the two nations. Officials emphasized that the arrangement is not surprising, as both countries have historically maintained close security ties. India stressed its awareness and readiness while monitoring regional developments carefully.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a new mutual defence agreement during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, marking a significant moment in the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
The agreement was signed during Sharif’s official visit at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders met at the Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where they discussed the historic and strategic nature of Saudi-Pakistan ties and explored areas of common interest. A joint statement described the pact as an extension of a relationship that has spanned nearly eight decades, rooted in “bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation.”
For Pakistan, this agreement strengthens its sense of security and reaffirms its reliance on Saudi Arabia as a trusted partner. For Riyadh, the pact reasserts its position as a regional power broker and a steadfast ally to Islamabad at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
India, however, reacted with measured caution. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the reports of the pact and stressed that this was not an unexpected development. “We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
New Delhi’s response reflects a balance of vigilance and pragmatism. While acknowledging the pact as a formalisation of old understandings, India made clear that it will continue to safeguard its security interests while keeping a close watch on the evolving dynamics in the region.
It is also worth noting that the India-Saudi relationship has seen steady growth in recent years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has emerged as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, with energy, trade, and investment forming the backbone of their cooperation. The two countries have also increasingly aligned on issues of security. During Modi’s state visit to Riyadh in April this year, Saudi Arabia had strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam. Both sides had issued a joint statement declaring that “there cannot be any justification for any act of terror for any reason whatsoever.” They further called for the dismantling of terrorism infrastructure and for perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice.
Against this backdrop, the Saudi-Pakistan pact is a reminder of the complex and interwoven relationships in the region. While Islamabad and Riyadh reaffirm their brotherhood, India continues to nurture its own strategic ties with the Kingdom. In a region often defined by shifting alliances, all sides appear intent on securing their interests while keeping channels of dialogue open.