India on alert as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign mutual defence pact with NATO-style security guarantees
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a significant mutual defence pact. It states that any attack on one country will be viewed as an attack on both.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) September 18: India says on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the current international situation. It will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests. The country will ensure "comprehensive national security in all domains". It is as per a strategic agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement states that both nations will respond cooperatively to any aggression against the other.
India Vows to Safeguard National Interests and Security
The strategic mutual defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan states that an attack on one country will be deemed "aggression against both". India states that it "will study the implications" of the agreement.
Ministry of External Affairs official Randhir Jaiswal said, "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," in an official statement.
He also adds, "We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under considerationm"
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Seal Historic Mutual Defence Pact
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia signed the "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement." According to a statement, Sharif visited Saudi Arabia at the crown prince's invitation.
The statement by the Saudi Press Agency says, "This agreement aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression".
Doha Summit Sparks Push for Islamic NATO
The move comes after a summit in Doha. It was attended by leaders of 40 Islamic countries, including Pakistan. The nations press for an alliance similar to NATO. This comes after Israel's attack on Hamas officials in Qatar last week. Interestingly, the only Islamic country possessing nuclear weapons is Pakistan. According to certain sources, the pact also gives Saudi Arabia access to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
The agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is more important now. This is because the relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have changed after Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.
