India Urges Saudi to Respect Sensitivities After Pakistan Pact
India has asked Saudi Arabia to consider “mutual interests and sensitivities” following the signing of a mutual defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The request came via the Ministry of External Affairs, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting that the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has deepened in recent years.
Details of the Pact
The defence pact, signed on 17 September 2025, commits both countries to treat any aggression against one as an aggression against the other. While the full terms have not been made public, analysts say the agreement bolsters deterrence for both. India has said it will examine the implications of the arrangement.
India’s Position
India’s government emphasized that although it maintains friendly relations with both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, it expects that its own national security and regional interests will not be adversely affected by the pact. India said it will protect its strategic and bilateral interests, and scrutinize how the pact affects its sovereignty and defence posture.
Broader Strategic Context
The defence agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad comes amid growing regional tensions and shifting alliances. With increasing uncertainty over global security partnerships, India has publicly positioned itself to preserve its internal and external security while maintaining diplomatic ties. The development is likely to be closely watched by other nations in the region.
