‘Hope Riyadh Keeps Mutual Concerns In Mind’: India Reacts To Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 17:36 IST

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking on the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact, underscored the growing depth of India’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia in recent years

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (MEA)

India on Friday said it expects its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia to remain mindful of “mutual interests and sensitivities", after Riyadh and Islamabad signed a defence pact.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking on the Pakistan-Saudi “strategic mutual defence" agreement during a press briefing, underscored the growing depth of India’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia in recent years.

“India and Saudi Arabia have a wide-ranging strategic partnership which has deepened considerably in the last several years. We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities," the MEA spokesperson told reporters.

The Saudi–Pakistan agreement, signed in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, commits both countries to treat an attack on one as an attack on the other.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was present, signalling the military’s support for the deal.

The pact comes days after Israel’s airstrike on Doha that killed senior Hamas leaders amid ceasefire talks, triggering anger across Arab capitals. Qatar and the UAE are also in discussions to join the defence arrangement, according to regional reports.

The MEA affirmed that the government will take every necessary measure to safeguard India’s national interests and uphold comprehensive security across all sectors.

Jaiswal said that India would “assess the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability."

According to reports, Qatar and the UAE are also in discussions to join the defence arrangement with Pakistan.

Asked about these developments, Jaiswal said India maintains “very expansive ties" with both Qatar and the UAE and “consultations keep happening."

MEA Slams Pakistan’s Terror Nexus

On Pakistan’s record of cross-border terrorism, Jaiswal referred to recent videos of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba circulating from Pakistan.

“The world is aware of the nexus between the terrorists and the Pakistani state and the military," he said.

“We all have to fight cross-border terrorism… we call upon the world to intensify efforts to deal with terrorism."

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...

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