India has responded cautiously to the recent defense agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Following the deal, India expressed hope that Riyadh will respect the mutual interests and sensitivities between the two South Asian neighbors. The statement came during a routine press briefing by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The defense pact, signed on Wednesday, has raised regional eyebrows. While details remain limited, experts believe the agreement could offer Saudi Arabia an unofficial nuclear umbrella through Pakistan. The timing has added to the tension, coming just months after a deadly military standoff between India and Pakistan.
Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the close and growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. He said both nations have deepened cooperation over recent years. “We expect our mutual interests and sensitivities to be kept in mind,” he told reporters.
Saudi Arabia is one of India’s largest oil suppliers. This year, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in crude oil and LPG supply. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced plans to explore joint investments in refineries and petrochemical projects with Riyadh.
India acknowledged it had prior knowledge of the proposed pact and said it is studying its implications. Pakistan remains the only Muslim country with nuclear weapons and maintains a large military focused on defense against India. The two nations have fought three wars and clashed many times, including a deadly four-day conflict earlier this year.