India says it is reviewing impact of Pakistan-Saudi defence pact on national security

The Indian government has responded to the landmark defence agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, under which any attack on one country would be considered an attack on both. The pact is seen as a strong deterrent against potential aggressors.

The development, announced on Wednesday, made international headlines due to its strategic importance, coming at a time when tensions in the Middle East are high following Israeli military actions.

Recently, after the attack on Qatar, Arab and Muslim nations convened in Doha to coordinate a collective response and condemn Israeli offensives in the region.

While the defence agreement was not a direct outcome of the Arab summit, it carries significant political and strategic weight given the volatile security situation in the Middle East. The timing is also notable as Pakistan recently faced conflict with India in May..

An Indian External Affairs Spokesperson stated that the government is aware of the development and will carefully consider its implications.

Read: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign 'historic' mutual defence deal

“The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will 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 national security in all domains,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, a Saudi official clarified to Reuters that the agreement is a mutual defence pact and is not directed against any country, emphasising that the deal is meant to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rather than target any third nation.