The recent defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has stirred unease in India, with many analysts viewing it as a direct threat to India’s security interests. The pact, which includes a commitment that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” has raised concerns about the implications for regional stability.
Indian strategists and foreign policy experts have expressed alarm at the pact, with some describing it as a “grave misstep” by Saudi Arabia. They warn that the pact could have serious implications for India’s national security, particularly given the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
While some analysts believe that Riyadh values balanced ties and that the pact may not directly hinder India, others argue that the pact represents a significant shift in regional alignments. By solidifying Pakistan’s role in the Middle East security architecture, the deal could leave India facing a coalition of Muslim states, including China, Turkey, and now Saudi Arabia.
The pact has also raised questions about the future of India’s diplomatic relationships in the region. While India has deep ties with Saudi Arabia, including being its second-largest trading partner and a major buyer of Saudi oil, the pact could strain these ties and force India to recalibrate its foreign policy approach.
Overall, while the pact may not pose an immediate security threat to India, it has certainly raised concerns and sparked debate among analysts and policymakers. The implications of the pact for regional stability and India’s strategic interests remain to be seen, but one thing is clear – India will be closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
