India Reacts to Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defence Agreement

India has responded cautiously to the signing of a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The pact, signed in Riyadh on September 17, commits both nations to consider an attack on one as an attack on both, formalising decades of military cooperation. Commenting on the development, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had closely followed reports of the pact and would carefully assess its implications. “We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability,” he stated. Jaiswal added that while the deal has been under discussion for some time, India remains fully committed to protecting its national interests with a comprehensive security framework. The agreement positions Pakistan as a partner in safeguarding the Two Holy Mosques and strengthens Riyadh-Islamabad defence collaboration, including joint training, defence production, and potential troop deployments. Officials described the pact as a major milestone aimed at bolstering deterrence, enhancing military capabilities, and consolidating regional peace. For India, already facing heightened tensions with Pakistan, the deal adds a new layer of complexity to South Asian geopolitics, with New Delhi pledging vigilance in securing its strategic and security interests.