The recently signed 'strategic mutual defence agreement' between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has provoked concern in India. The agreement marks a significant step in Saudi-Pakistani cooperation, suggesting enhanced military collaboration that Indian analysts perceive as a direct threat.
This pact, which asserts that any aggression towards either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be seen as a mutual aggression, resonates deeply amid historical tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning the Kashmir conflict. The growing proximity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan raises disquiet among Indian officials, as India has sought to bolster its own relationship with Riyadh in recent years.
While some argue the risks may be overstated, as Saudi Arabia maintains significant ties with India, others warn that India must recalibrate its diplomatic approach. The deal could potentially solidify Pakistan's military capabilities while reducing India’s influence, creating a new equilibrium in a precarious region.
Indian officials have refrained from immediate escalatory reactions, indicating a need to assess the long-term implications of the defence partnership. As regional dynamics shift, the focus remains on how India navigates this complex landscape of alliances.
