Why the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact Raises Concerns in India

The recent defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has unsettled India, despite Riyadh describing it as a formalization of long-standing ties. Signed in Riyadh by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the agreement declares that aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both. For India, which recently faced a four-day conflict with Pakistan, the pact raises security concerns. Indian analysts argue that the move emboldens Islamabad by binding it closer to Riyadh, a partner with financial strength and growing regional ambitions. Former Indian officials called it a “grave misstep,” warning of destabilizing consequences for South Asia. While New Delhi has responded cautiously, noting it will study the pact’s implications, some experts believe the risks are overstated. Saudi Arabia remains deeply tied to India through trade and energy, and is unlikely to pursue hostile actions. Still, by embedding Pakistan further into Middle Eastern security frameworks alongside China and Turkey, the deal enhances its geopolitical leverage. Analysts suggest the pact is less about immediate military action and more about Riyadh’s shifting strategy—diversifying beyond US guarantees, countering Iran and Israel, and leveraging Pakistan’s nuclear status for deterrence. India, however, remains watchful.