**Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement: Implications for India**
*New Delhi:* Saudi Arabia signed a strategic mutual defence agreement with Pakistan on Wednesday. Under the terms of the defence pact, any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both, signaling a deepening of military ties between the two countries.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, geopolitical analyst and President of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer, shared his insights on the new pact. He emphasized that the agreement will not only strengthen Pakistan’s defences but also compel India to revise its strategic calculations. Bremmer noted the increased possibility of another military altercation between India and Pakistan, with Riyadh potentially providing support to Islamabad in such a scenario.
“If I’m India, that has to factor into my calculations. That’s going to change life for India, no question,” Bremmer stated.
The Eurasia Group president further highlighted that the agreement adds a new layer of confidence for Pakistan while solidifying strong ties between the two Islamic nations. He pointed out that China would remain Pakistan’s principal ally, as most of Pakistan’s military support currently comes from Beijing.
Additionally, Bremmer mentioned that Pakistan is seeking to diversify its partnerships. He referenced claims that US President Donald Trump’s crypto investments in Pakistan are contributing to Islamabad’s growing confidence and strength.
Significantly, Bremmer underlined Saudi Arabia’s long-standing support for Pakistan’s nuclear programme. “Yes, it is true that Saudi Arabia has been helping to fund Pakistan and their plutonium program for many, many years. It has been an open secret that Saudi Arabia, in the event of a crisis, considered Pakistan’s nuclear program to be Saudi Arabia’s emergency nuclear program if they ever needed it,” he revealed during his interview with India Today TV.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in Riyadh during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit.
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### India’s Response to the Defence Pact
In response to the Pakistan-Saudi pact, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Thursday, stating:
“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.”
The MEA added:
“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.”
During its weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked,
“India and Saudi Arabia have a wide-ranging strategic partnership which has deepened considerably in the last several years. We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities.”
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### Key Takeaways
– Pakistan remains the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons.
– Reports suggest that following this agreement, Saudi Arabia may gain access to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
– The pact signals a closer military alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, potentially altering the strategic dynamics in South Asia.
As Pakistan and Saudi Arabia solidify their defence cooperation, the regional geopolitical landscape is poised for significant shifts, prompting close observation by India and the international community.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/thats-going-to-change-life-for-india-geopolitical-analyst-ian-bremmer-on-saudi-arabia-pakistan-defence-pact