Riyadh: In a major geopolitical development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a mutual defence agreement, declaring that any attack on either nation will be treated as “an act of aggression against both.”
The pact was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who is on a state visit to the Kingdom.
The agreement comes just two days after an extraordinary joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was convened in response to Israel’s attack on Qatar’s capital Doha on September 9.
According to a joint statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, “This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.”
The statement further emphasized: “The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
India was quick to take note of the development. Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi would carefully assess the impact of the pact.
“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 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.”
