Pakistan Signals Future Defense Agreements Following Saudi Deal; India Urges Consideration of Regional Sensitivities

London: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has indicated that additional countries may be interested in entering defense agreements with Pakistan, following the recent signing of a significant security pact with Saudi Arabia. This agreement commits both nations to mutual defense in the event of an attack.

According to TRTworld.com, Dar informed reporters in London that discussions with other nations about similar agreements are ongoing, although he emphasized that it is too early to provide specific details. He highlighted the lengthy process involved in reaching the agreement with Saudi Arabia, noting, “It has taken several months.”

The Saudi-Pakistan pact is notable for its provisions, including nuclear protection, as stated by Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. He affirmed Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear power and assured that its capabilities would be available under this agreement. Retired Saudi Air Force Brigadier General Faisal al-Hamad conveyed to Al-Arabiya television that the pact mirrors the NATO principle of collective defense.

The timing of this agreement is significant, coming shortly after an Israeli attack on Qatar resulted in the deaths of five Hamas negotiators and a Qatari security officer. Pakistan, the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons, has a formidable military presence, often in strategic opposition to its larger nuclear neighbor, India. Historical tensions between Pakistan and India have resulted in multiple conflicts, including a recent four-day clash in May.

India has expressed its concerns about the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact. During a briefing in Mumbai, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia considering its strategic partnership with India as it strengthens ties with Pakistan. He underscored the deepening relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas such as crude and liquefied petroleum gas cooperation.

The Indian Foreign Ministry acknowledged its awareness of the Saudi-Pakistan agreement and committed to evaluating its implications. Analysts suggest that the pact could provide Saudi Arabia with a de facto nuclear shield, potentially complicating India’s strategic considerations in the region. For Pakistan, the agreement signifies enhanced security collaboration with a key ally, while for India, it introduces new dynamics into its relationships with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.