Syllabus: GS2/International Relation
Context
- Recently, Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, India has said that it was aware of the development and reiterated its commitment to “comprehensive national security”.
About
- Background of Meeting: The agreement was signed in the aftermath of an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim nations hosted by Qatar following Israel’s military strikes against Hamas leaders.
- The meeting brought together almost 60 countries that are members of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
- The Pact: Called the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.
- It aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.
Rationale Behind the Pact
- Timing of the agreement: The pact is seen as a message to Israel, coming after Israel attacked Qatar targeting Hamas leadership.
- Regional alarm: Israel’s expanding operations across Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Qatar have worried Arab nations.
- US credibility questioned: The attack, allegedly backed by the U.S.A, made Gulf states doubt the US as a reliable security guarantor.
- Nuclear Weapon Fear: Gulf states are aware that Israel is the only nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East, increasing their sense of vulnerability.
- Islamic solidarity: The Saudi–Pakistan pact projects unity within the broader Islamic bloc.
India’s Reaction
- The Ministry of External Affairs said that it was aware that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had been considering such a pact.
- India responded by saying that it will study the implications of this development for 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.
| Saudi Arabia Ties with India and Pakistan With Pakistan: – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long history of military cooperation. 1. Pakistani troops were deployed to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s and helped retake the Grand Mosque in 1979. 2. In 1982, the two countries signed a Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement, institutionalising training, advisory roles, and deployments. 3. Saudi Arabia became a key buyer of Pakistan-made arms, while Pakistani personnel trained the Saudi Air Force. 4. In 2025, the Joint Military Cooperation Committee in Riyadh pledged to expand training, exchanges, and joint exercises. With India: – Trade & Economy: India is Saudi Arabia’s 2nd largest trade partner, while Saudi Arabia is India’s 5th largest. 1. Bilateral trade in FY 2023–24 stood at USD 42.98 billion (India’s exports: USD 11.56 billion, imports: USD 31.42 billion). – Strategic Framework: Delhi Declaration (2006) and Riyadh Declaration (2010) elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership. – High-Level Recognition: In 2016, PM Modi received Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash. – Security & Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia condemned the Pahalgam attack during Modi’s visit. It has avoided strong criticism of India’s Article 370 decision and often positioned itself as a mediator between India and Pakistan. |
Major Geopolitical Implication
- Historic move: It is Pakistan’s most consequential defence pact in decades, also offering both strategic and economic benefits to it.
- Impact on India ties: The pact may affect India–Saudi Arabia’s growing strategic and economic relations.
- Institutional role: It formalizes Pakistan’s position in West Asia’s security architecture, giving it more strategic weight.
- Arms acquisition: Pakistan can access US weapons using Saudi funding, as Washington seems willing to sell.
- Conflict entanglement: Instead of benefiting Pakistan, the pact may drag it into prolonged Middle Eastern wars.
Conclusion
- The defence agreement seems a posturing exercise, and more about Israel than India.
- Thus, in reality, the agreement may bind Pakistan more closely to Saudi Arabia’s regional battles in the Middle East rather than providing it a guaranteed shield against any bilateral escalation.
Source: TH
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