India to Review Implications of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Defence Pact
MEA says New Delhi remains committed to national security as it assesses regional and global impact of the agreement.
New Delhi, Sep 18: India on Thursday said it will study the implications of the newly signed strategic defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, following the agreement’s announcement on Wednesday.
The joint statement from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia declared that “any aggression against either of the two countries shall be considered an aggression against both.” The pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia.
Responding cautiously, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India remains committed to safeguarding its national interests and ensuring “comprehensive national security in all domains.” He added that New Delhi was aware the agreement, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement, had been under consideration.
“The government will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability,” Jaiswal said, underlining India’s focus on maintaining strategic vigilance while monitoring developments in the region.
The defence pact comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and follows a recent four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
