India has responded cautiously to the recently signed defence cooperation pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, stating that its implications on national security will be carefully examined. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that while countries are free to pursue bilateral defence arrangements, New Delhi reserves the right to assess the impact of such agreements on regional stability.
The pact, signed in Riyadh earlier this week, covers areas such as joint military training, defence industry collaboration, and intelligence-sharing between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Security analysts believe the agreement could bolster Islamabad’s military capabilities and potentially alter the strategic balance in South Asia.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that India has taken note of the development and will “study its implications for our national security.” He added that India remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region, but remains vigilant against any external moves that could affect its security environment.
The defence pact comes at a time when India’s relations with Saudi Arabia are on an upswing, with growing cooperation in trade, energy, and counter-terrorism. Experts suggest New Delhi will seek to ensure that its own strategic partnership with Riyadh remains unaffected by Saudi Arabia’s defence ties with Pakistan.
Observers point out that this development underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Gulf and South Asia, where major powers are recalibrating alliances amid changing security concerns. India, which has close defence ties with several Gulf states, is expected to engage diplomatically to safeguard its interests.
For now, officials in New Delhi have emphasized that any agreement involving Pakistan’s military will be evaluated in detail, given its long-standing record of supporting cross-border terrorism.
