Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a mutual defence agreement; in this context India is expecting Saudi Arabia to consider ‘mutual interest and sensitivities.’ This agreement was signed between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday. This treaty came at the time when Israel was striking Hamas leaders in Qatar. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.

India-Saudi relationship

India has long been on good terms with West Asia and considers it as an extended family. Post this deal, the initial response was that India will take all steps to protect the country’s national interests and ensure comprehensive national security. During the weekly media briefing, when asked about the agreement, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India and Saudi Arabia have a wide-ranging strategic partnership which has deepened in the last several years considerably. We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities.”

Doubts on the US role as a security ally

This pact came at a time when Arab nations are raising doubts on the United States’ role as a security ally, especially at this time when Israel is targeting Arab nations and recent strikes on Iran and Qatar. This agreement can have implications for India, as Pakistan can leverage it while in a conflict state with India.

Saudi’s relationship with both nations

Over the past decade, India and Saudi relations have deepened. They recently conducted joint navy and army operations. At the same time, Saudi has a long-standing defence and security relationship with Pakistan and has helped Pakistan in coping with economic problems.

In a statement, the external affairs ministry shared that India was aware of such a pact being considered between the two nations. Currently, India is studying the impact on Indian security and stability.

Pakistan invites other Arab countries

The ministry shared that the content of the agreement hasn’t been made public; thus, legal obligations regarding collective defence will need to be assessed.

Post the agreement, Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said the “doors are not closed” for other Arab states — they too can join the pact with Saudi Arabia.