New Delhi, September 18, 2025: India on Wednesday responded cautiously to the signing of a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, saying it is closely monitoring the development and will carefully assess its implications for national and regional security.
“We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi. “This is something that has been under discussion for some time, formalizing what appears to be a long-standing arrangement between Riyadh and Islamabad.”
Jaiswal said the government would examine the wider consequences of the agreement before drawing conclusions. “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,” he added.
On Wednesday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia concluded the historic defense accord under which Pakistan will also partner with the Kingdom in safeguarding the Two Holy Mosques. The agreement strengthens bilateral defense cooperation, integrating military capabilities and establishing that any external armed attack on either country will be treated as an attack on both.
The pact was signed by the heads of state of both countries, with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, playing a central role in its negotiation and conclusion. Officials said the accord seeks to enhance deterrence in light of emerging regional threats while reinforcing a joint commitment to peace and stability.
The agreement builds on decades of close defense collaboration, including joint training, multilateral exercises, and cooperation in the defense industry. Analysts say it also carries broader strategic and diplomatic weight, offering Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shared benefits in security, economy, and regional influence.
