India Reacts to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Defence Deal, says 'Will Study Implications...'

India on Pak-Saudi Defence Deal: In a latest move, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence deal on Wednesday, the two nation declaring that any attack on either country will be treated as "an act of aggression against both." Notably, the deal was done between Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. 

The deal was signed between the two countries two days after a joint session between the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, in connection with the Israel's attack on Doha on September 9.

'Attack on one, aggression against both'- Statement

As per the the Saudi Press Agency, after the deal, a joint statement was published, which stated, "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 defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression." 

"The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," it read. 

India's Reaction on Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Agreement 

After the much-talked about deal, India has expressed their views in response to a media question on reports of the mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India will study the implications of this deal for our national security.

He stated, "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."