India to ‘study implications’ of Pak-Saudi defence pact

NEW DELHI: Reacting to the historic defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, India has said that New Delhi will study the development’s implications with regard to its national security as well as regional and global security.

“We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on Thursday.

“The government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains,” it added.

India’s reaction — to be interpreted against the backdrop of its hostilities with Pakistan in May — comes a day after Islamabad and Riyadh formalised a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to treat any aggression against one country as aggression against both.

Meanwhile, the new Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement has drawn concern from some Indian media outlets. However, strategic analysis indicates Riyadh is unlikely to endanger its deep economic and strategic relationship with India.

Major publications like Zee News and Times of India report that the deal has raised alarms in New Delhi, as well as in Washington and Jerusalem. The agreement is perceived as a direct threat to India, particularly in the volatile context of recent tensions with Pakistan, such as the “Operation Sindoor” dispute. There is apprehension that Riyadh could side with Islamabad in the event of a future India-Pakistan conflict.

The analysis from India Today offers a more nuanced view. They suggest the pact is unlikely to mean Saudi Arabia would actively join a war against India, a far more valuable economic partner. A senior Saudi official explicitly told Reuters the deal was “not a response to any specific country,” emphasizing that Riyadh’s relationship with New Delhi “is stronger than ever.” This is underscored by the vast trade imbalance: India-Saudi trade sits near $42 billion, dwarfing the $3-4 billion in trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Geopolitical experts like Valena Chakravarti and Dr. Bilal Afzal suggest the deal is an attempt by Saudi Arabia to balance its relationships with both South Asian rivals. They posit its timing is likely a strategic message to Israel following its recent attack on Qatar, rather than a signal aimed at India. Saudi Arabia is seen as unlikely to jeopardize its crucial ties with India for Pakistan, whereas Pakistan would be expected to come to Saudi Arabia’s defense if attacked by Israel.

Some expert consensus indicates the agreement is a complex strategic move by Saudi Arabia rooted in broader regional security concerns, particularly regarding Israel, rather than a straightforward military alliance against India.