In brief
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently signed a significant defence pact, inciting concerns in India regarding regional security. The agreement, which states that aggression against either party is regarded as aggression against both, fosters fears that Saudi Arabia is solidifying its military ties with Pakistan, a nation already fraught with tension with India. Indian analysts warn about the potential implications for national security and regional dynamics, noting the historical context of Saudi support for Pakistan in times of crisis. As India assesses the geopolitical landscape, the pact could redefine security partnerships in the Middle East.
When Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's prime minister, clasped Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh last week, the symbolism was unmistakable.
The embrace followed the signing of a 'strategic mutual defence agreement', bringing the Islamic world's only nuclear-armed state closer to the Gulf's most ambitious monarchy.
A senior Saudi official described the pact as an 'institutionalisation of long-standing and deep cooperation'. However, many in India interpret it differently.
Despite India's efforts to foster a warm relationship with Riyadh, the pact emerges during a period of heightened hostility with Pakistan, including a recent four-day conflict earlier this year. With a history of multiple wars and clashes over Kashmir, any military endorsement from Saudi Arabia towards Pakistan is viewed as a direct threat by India.
What unsettles Indian analysts the most is the pact's commitment to viewing any aggression against either country as aggression against both. Brahma Chellaney, an Indian strategist, voiced his concerns on social media, pointing out that Saudi Arabia was aware that this pact would be seen as a security threat to India. He emphasized that this move reflects Saudi ambitions rather than Pakistan’s strength.
Former Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal categorized the pact as a 'grave misstep' by Saudi Arabia, warning of its potential implications for India's national security. He expressed that a politically unstable Pakistan acting as a security partner is dangerous.
In response, the Indian government has taken a measured stance, with a foreign ministry official stating they would study the implications of the pact for national security and for regional stability.
Analysts differ on the potential risks posed by the pact. While some argue that it solidifies Pakistan's military capabilities and offers a challenge to India, others claim India might be exaggerating the present risks due to Riyadh’s established ties with New Delhi as its second-largest trading partner.
Overall, while the pact may not pose immediate security threats, the optics for India are concerning, as it solidifies Pakistan's position within a broader network of alliances, shifting the regional balance of power.
