Pakistan–Saudi Pact: Symbolic Move or Game Changer? How Should India Recalibrate Its Diplomacy?
Saudi-Pakistan defence pact alarms India; ex-foreign secretary warns it may embolden Islamabad and test New Delhi’s regional strategy.
In a conversation with journalist Zaffar Iqbal on Mojo Story, former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal analyzed the new Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The pact, finalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, declares that an attack on one nation will be treated as an attack on both. Reports suggest it could even extend to Pakistan’s nuclear protection for Saudi Arabia.
Sibal highlighted that such an agreement, following a 40-nation Islamic summit in Doha and Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders, signals a deeper Saudi-Pakistani alignment. He warned this move could embolden Pakistan militarily and politically, possibly with backing from China or the United States, and might lead Saudi Arabia to fund Pakistan’s rearmament. He also questioned how Iran would react and noted that other Gulf nations like the UAE are unlikely to join this alliance due to their strong ties with India.
India, Sibal said, must strengthen its own defence and deepen ties with countries like the UAE and Oman while cautiously engaging Saudi Arabia to avoid pushing it further toward Pakistan. He suggested enhancing relations with Iran as a strategic counterbalance.
Saudi Arabia’s decision appears “strategically insensitive,” potentially straining its growing economic and diplomatic relationship with India. She stressed the need for India to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting its national interests.
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