NEW DELHI: The Ministry of external affairs on Friday said India shares a “wide-ranging strategic partnership” with Saudi Arabia, one that has “deepened considerably” in recent years.
Responding to queries on the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defence pact, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities.”
Also read: Saudi Arabia under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella - could more Gulf nations follow?
His remarks came after Riyadh and Islamabad signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” earlier this week, triggering speculation over whether Saudi Arabia could gain access to Pakistan’s nuclear shield amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The pact, announced on Wednesday, brings together Saudi Arabia’s financial clout and Pakistan’s military, the only nuclear-armed force in the Muslim world. Few details have been disclosed, though Saudi officials have described it as covering “all military means.” Analysts told Reuters that the deal signals declining confidence in the United States as a long-term security guarantor for Gulf states.
Also read: Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact - what it means for India
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif maintained that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar” of the agreement, saying: “We have no intention of using this pact for any aggression. But if the parties are threatened, then obviously this arrangement will become operative.” He added the framework could be extended to other Gulf nations. Riyadh, however, has previously stated it would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran obtained them.
Responding to queries on the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defence pact, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities.”
Also read: Saudi Arabia under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella - could more Gulf nations follow?
His remarks came after Riyadh and Islamabad signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” earlier this week, triggering speculation over whether Saudi Arabia could gain access to Pakistan’s nuclear shield amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The pact, announced on Wednesday, brings together Saudi Arabia’s financial clout and Pakistan’s military, the only nuclear-armed force in the Muslim world. Few details have been disclosed, though Saudi officials have described it as covering “all military means.” Analysts told Reuters that the deal signals declining confidence in the United States as a long-term security guarantor for Gulf states.
Also read: Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact - what it means for India
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif maintained that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar” of the agreement, saying: “We have no intention of using this pact for any aggression. But if the parties are threatened, then obviously this arrangement will become operative.” He added the framework could be extended to other Gulf nations. Riyadh, however, has previously stated it would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran obtained them.
You may also like
"Will have a huge impact on the youth," Odisha CM Majhi flags off 'Namo Yuva Run', pushes for drug-free India
John Stapleton dies: GMB legend dies aged 79 after Parkinson's disease battle
Rylan Clark issued warning by co-star as she shares true thoughts on his new partner
Noida Airport likely to start commercial flights after Diwali
Wamiqa Gabbi reminds herself that 'life is much more than what we worry about'