India monitors Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact amid regional security concerns

India responds cautiously to Saudi-Pakistan defense agreement, emphasizing national security. Experts warn of potential regional impact; India expects Saudi Arabia to maintain balance amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

New Delhi: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Tuesday signed a new and significant Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. This agreement formalizes decades-old defense cooperation between the two countries.

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The Indian government has taken a cautious stance on this development, clarifying that it is closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests.

What is this defense agreement?

This agreement, signed in Riyadh, was announced through a joint statement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to this defense agreement, an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both countries.

This agreement is not limited to military cooperation but also calls for joint defense and deterrence. According to Saudi officials, this is a comprehensive defensive agreement covering all military aspects.

India's Response: A Cautious but Balanced Approach

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India was aware of the agreement in advance and is monitoring it. India will evaluate the impact of this agreement on regional and global stability.

Jaiswal also stated that India is fully committed to protecting its national security and interests. The government will continue to take necessary strategic steps to ensure overall security.

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Motives behind this agreement

According to Pakistani media and Saudi sources, this agreement is based on Islamic solidarity and shared interests. Military cooperation between the two countries is not new—Pakistan has been training Saudi Arabian military personnel since the 1960s.

Now, this partnership has emerged as a formal agreement, bringing the two countries even closer strategically.

Potential Impact on the Future

Experts believe that this agreement could impact the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, especially given the tense relations between India and Pakistan. A small war already took place between India and Pakistan in May 2025, further increasing India's concerns about such an agreement.

However, India and Saudi Arabia also have strong economic and investment ties, leading India to expect Saudi Arabia to play a balancing role.

India's Priority—Security and Stability

India has made it clear that it will closely monitor any strategic developments that could impact its interests. Although this agreement is between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, it could impact regional balance. Consequently, India's vigilance and strategic alertness will become even more crucial in the times to come.