New Delhi, Sep.18,2025:The Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact signed on Wednesday has sent shockwaves across South Asia, particularly in India. The landmark agreement, officially termed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, pledges that any attack on one country will be considered an attack on both. This development strengthens military cooperation between Riyadh and Islamabad at a time of heightened regional instability-
For India, this pact carries worrying implications. The Congress party has voiced serious concerns, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of failing to safeguard India’s national security interests.
Details of the Defense Agreement
According to the joint statement released by Riyadh and Islamabad, the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact is designed to establish a framework for mutual protection. The pact declares that in the event of aggression against either party, both nations will respond collectively.
While the text of the agreement has not been made fully public, experts suggest it covers:
- Joint defense operations in case of external aggression.
- Enhanced intelligence sharing between the two countries.
- Potential Saudi military aid and funding for Pakistan’s defense modernization.
- Training exchanges and joint exercises to boost operational readiness.
The agreement is being seen as a milestone in the strategic alignment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, two countries that have long shared deep military and religious ties.
Congress’ Strong Criticism
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing attack on the Modi government following the announcement of the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact.
In a detailed post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh accused the government of “personality-driven diplomacy” and questioned India’s preparedness in the face of shifting global alliances.
“After abruptly halting Operation Sindoor just a month ago, President Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House — the same man whose provocative statements emboldened the Pahalgam terror attacks of April 2025. Now, within days of PM Modi’s much-publicized China visit, we see Saudi Arabia siding with Pakistan in a defense pact. This is a major foreign policy failure,” Ramesh wrote.
He further argued that the pact is a serious threat to India’s national security, especially given Pakistan’s track record of cross-border terrorism.
Geopolitical Background
The Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact cannot be seen in isolation. It comes against the backdrop of major realignments in global politics, where India’s neighbors are drawing closer to global powers.
China’s Growing Influence
China’s deepening military ties with Pakistan are already well-documented. Only days after Modi’s visit to Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly gave Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari access to China’s secretive military facilities.
This growing China-Pakistan axis has been a long-standing concern for India, now compounded by Saudi Arabia’s entry into the equation.
US-Pakistan Military Engagements
Adding another layer of complexity, former US President Donald Trump recently met Pakistani military chief Asim Munir. Washington’s engagement with Islamabad could potentially revive old military dependencies, making Pakistan stronger diplomatically and militarily.
This triangulation of China, the US, and Saudi Arabia with Pakistan places India in a challenging position diplomatically.
Impact on India’s National Security
India now faces a more complicated security environment. The Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact raises several concerns:
- Two-front challenge – Pakistan backed by Saudi Arabia, and China in the north.
- Energy security risks – India relies heavily on Saudi oil; strained ties may disrupt supplies.
- Diplomatic setbacks – India’s strategic balancing in West Asia is under pressure.
- Terrorism concerns – Stronger Saudi-Pakistan defense ties could indirectly embolden terror outfits operating against India.
Security experts argue that New Delhi needs to recalibrate its defense and diplomatic strategies urgently to address these new threats.
Congress vs. BJP- Political Reactions
While Congress has openly criticized the Modi government, the ruling BJP has yet to issue a detailed statement. Party insiders suggest that the government is likely to downplay the pact’s impact, stressing India’s independent foreign policy and growing ties with the US, EU, and Japan.
Analysts believe this issue will become a hot topic in India’s domestic politics, especially as the opposition continues to highlight what it calls “policy failures” of the Modi administration.
Global Media and Expert Opinions
International media outlets have reported the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact with significant emphasis on its impact on India.
- The Guardian noted that the pact could complicate New Delhi’s relations with Riyadh, traditionally one of India’s closest energy partners.
- The New York Times highlighted the timing of the agreement, pointing out its proximity to Modi’s China visit, suggesting a diplomatic snub.
- Defense analysts in think tanks such as Carnegie Endowment argue that the pact marks Saudi Arabia’s intent to assert itself more aggressively in South Asia.
India’s Diplomatic Challenges Ahead
India’s immediate challenge will be balancing its ties with Saudi Arabia while ensuring that Pakistan does not use this pact to gain an upper hand. Some possible steps for India include:
- Strengthening strategic partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia through the Quad.
- Deepening energy partnerships with the UAE and other Gulf states to reduce dependency on Riyadh.
- Enhancing defense cooperation with Israel and France, key arms suppliers.
- Engaging Saudi Arabia diplomatically to ensure the pact does not turn hostile toward India.
A Test for India’s Strategy
The signing of the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Defense Pact marks a turning point in South Asian geopolitics. For India, this is more than just a regional defense arrangement — it is a direct challenge to its national security and diplomatic influence.
Congress has wasted no time in turning this into a political battle, accusing Prime Minister Modi of diplomatic mismanagement. Whether India can navigate this crisis without straining its vital energy ties with Saudi Arabia while containing Pakistan remains to be seen.
What is certain, however, is that this agreement will dominate the discourse in New Delhi’s strategic and political circles for months to come.
