'Committed To Protecting National Interests': India On Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence
'Committed To Protecting National Interests': India On Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact
M.U.H
18/09/202518
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it will study the implications of the strategic mutual defence agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
In an official statement, the MEA also stated that the government of India remains committed to protecting the country’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.
“We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration," an official statement by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal read.
“We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability," it mentioned.
“The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains," the statement read.
THE PAKISTAN-SAUDI ARABIA DEFENCE PACT
On Wednesday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a defence pact under which any aggression against either country shall be considered as an act of aggression against both.
The ‘Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement’ was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, Geo News reported.
According to the Dawn newspaper, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office announced the signing of the pact, which stated that any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.
SHEHBAZ SHARIF PRAISES SAUDI CROWN PRINCE
Later, in an X post, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that he held “most cordial talks" with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and that their talks “covered a wide range of issues, reviewing regional challenges and enhancing bilateral cooperation."
WHAT PAKISTAN-SAUDI ARABIA’S JOINT STATEMENT MENTIONED
Released after the signing ceremony, a joint statement by both countries mentioned, “Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades, and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement."
The pact reflects a joint commitment to enhance bilateral security ties and contribute to regional and global peace, the statement said.
“It aims to develop defence cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both," Geo News reported.
Historically, Pakistan has provided extensive military and training support to Saudi Arabia, with Pakistani soldiers stationed in the Kingdom for decades to protect it from external threats.
