India Cautious on Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact, Aims to Manage Riyadh Ties Carefully

The strategic mutual defence agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is “not a positive development” from India’s perspective, said two former Indian ambassadors on Friday. New Delhi will need to handle its relationship with Riyadh “carefully and deftly” in light of this new pact.

The agreement, signed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, states that an attack on either country will be seen as an aggression against both. This deal was signed during Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and came shortly after an Israeli attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar.

Ashok Kantha, former Indian envoy to China, called the pact “not a good development” and “not a positive signal” from Saudi Arabia. However, he emphasized that ties between India and Saudi Arabia remain “strong” and “multi-faceted,” built on several pillars.

Kantha described the defence pact as a “jarring, discordant note” in what had been a “very positive and constructive” relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. He declined to predict any immediate changes in the bilateral ties.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday it is studying the implications of the pact for India’s national security and regional stability. The MEA statement indicated that the development was expected and not a surprise for India.

Veteran diplomat Venu Rajamony described the agreement as “certainly a matter of concern” because it creates a mutual defence commitment between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan’s alignment with Gulf Arab countries is increasing amid developments in West Asia.

Rajamony, former ambassador to the Netherlands, speculated the pact may not be specifically targeted at India but acknowledged it “can have implications” for New Delhi. He urged careful and deft management of India-Saudi relations.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the government was aware of this arrangement formalizing a long-standing cooperation between the two countries. Rajamony agreed the pact is “not a good sign” from India’s viewpoint.

Despite this, it is clear Saudi Arabia is deepening security ties with Pakistan rather than distancing itself. The agreement’s core clause states that any aggression against one signatory will be considered aggression against both.

India’s diplomatic focus remains on maintaining strong relations with Saudi Arabia while monitoring regional security dynamics closely.