India has reacted firmly but cautiously to the newly signed defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, saying it will safeguard its national interests while closely examining the implications of the agreement.
The pact, signed in Riyadh, states that any aggression against one of the two countries will be treated as aggression against both. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sealed the deal, while Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir also attended the ceremony.
India’s Response
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal kept the response measured but clear. “We are aware of this development. India will study its implications carefully. At the same time, we remain fully committed to protecting our national interest in every domain,” he said at a press briefing.
Behind this careful tone lies a simple reality—India will not ignore moves that could alter the balance of power in the region.
Why the Pact Raises Questions
Pakistan has long maintained military ties with Saudi Arabia, often deploying troops for training and advisory roles. But turning that cooperation into a formal mutual defence pact raises several concerns for India:
- Strategic uncertainty: The pact could embolden Pakistan diplomatically and militarily, as it now has explicit backing from a key Gulf power.
- Saudi ties at stake: India has been deepening its relationship with Riyadh through trade, energy, and security cooperation. The new deal adds a layer of complexity to that engagement.
- Ambiguity of scope: The pact doesn’t define what “aggression” means—whether it covers conventional warfare, cyberattacks, or proxy conflicts. That lack of clarity could create future risks.
India’s Balancing Act
For New Delhi, the challenge will be to safeguard its interests while preserving strong relations with Saudi Arabia. Over the past decade, India has expanded its partnerships across the Gulf, with millions of Indian workers living there and energy imports tying the economies together.
A diplomatic analyst in Delhi noted, “India cannot afford to let this pact derail its relations with Riyadh. Expect quiet but firm talks to ensure Saudi leaders continue to value New Delhi as a strategic partner.”
What Could Happen Next
India is unlikely to respond with loud statements. Instead, it may:
- Increase defence cooperation with other Gulf states such as the UAE and Oman.
- Step up intelligence and military monitoring in the region.
- Hold direct conversations with Saudi leadership to seek assurances that its core interests will not be harmed.
Bigger Picture
For Pakistan, the pact provides a morale boost at a time of political and economic stress. For Saudi Arabia, it strengthens regional security partnerships in a shifting global landscape where ties with China, Iran, and others are also in play.
For India, the message is straightforward—watch carefully, act wisely, and never compromise on security. The pact has altered the regional narrative, but how much it truly changes ground realities will depend on how Saudi Arabia balances its dual partnerships with Islamabad and New Delhi.