We are studying implications, says India as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign major defence pact

India on Thursday said it was “aware” of the landmark defence pact signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and would “study its implications” for national security, regional stability and global peace.

The reaction came after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his state visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement committing both nations to regard an attack on one as an attack on both.

Related news: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan ink defence agreement stating 'attack on either to be considered attack on both'

The accord, finalised at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, significantly elevates the nearly eight decades of military and political cooperation between the two countries.

“KSA and Pakistan…One front against any aggressor…Always and forever,” Saudi Crown Prince and Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman posted on X after the agreement was inked.

Reacting to the crucial development, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government is aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration.

"We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains," the official said.

India and Saudi Arabia continue to enjoy cordial ties, anchored in centuries-old economic and socio-cultural exchanges. The two countries, which established diplomatic relations in 1947, are strategic partners across sectors ranging from defence and security to energy, investment, health and education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the Kingdom three times since 2014, most recently in April this year.

The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact was finalised at Al-Yamamah Palace, where Sharif and the Crown Prince also reviewed regional security challenges. While Sharif expressed gratitude for Saudi hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties, the Crown Prince pledged continued support for Pakistan’s stability and prosperity.

The agreement marks a significant new chapter in the Riyadh-Islamabad relations, placing defence cooperation at the core of their strategic alignment amid shifting Gulf and South Asian geopolitics.