India to study implications of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact:MEA

India on Thursday said it will study the implications of the newly signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for its national security as well as for regional and global stability.The agreement, signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, commits both nations to respond jointly in the event of aggression against either country.In a carefully worded response, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is closely monitoring the development.“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 formalises 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,” Jaiswal said.The pact has raised strategic concerns as it reportedly extends Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence to Saudi Arabia, according to some media reports. The Saudi Press Agency described the agreement as one aimed at “developing aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthening joint deterrence against any aggression.”

Our response to media queries on reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
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— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 18, 2025

India’s statement comes against the backdrop of strained relations with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The deal also follows a summit in Doha, attended by 40 Islamic nations, where leaders pushed for the creation of a NATO-style alliance in the wake of Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week.Pakistan, notably the only Islamic nation with nuclear weapons, could provide a critical security umbrella to Riyadh under the pact.Jaiswal reiterated that the Indian government remains steadfast in safeguarding its interests.“The government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains,” he said.