New Delhi: Following the signing of a strategic defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, India on Thursday said it would assess the implications of the agreement for its national security, as well as regional and global stability.
The pact, according to a joint statement by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, stipulates that “any aggression against either of the two countries shall be considered as an aggression against both.”
Responding cautiously, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that New Delhi remains committed to safeguarding India’s national interests and ensuring “comprehensive national security across all domains.”
The “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” was inked by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh.
The announcement comes over four months after a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
“We have seen reports regarding the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,” Jaiswal stated. “The government was aware that this development, formalising a long-standing understanding between the two countries, had been under consideration.”
He added, “India will carefully study the implications of this development for our national security, as well as for regional and global stability. The government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive security in all domains.”
