India said on Tuesday that it is assessing the ramifications of a joint defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for the country’s national security and regional stability, and will take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its national interests.
Political Context
The pact also reflects the shared commitment of the three countries to strengthen their collective security and promote peace, security and stability in the region. The three Sunni Muslim countries signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7, following a meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. When Pakistan and Saudi Arabia concluded their mutual defence pact in September 2025, the Indian government said it would take all steps to protect the country’s national interests and ensure comprehensive national security in all domains, reflecting New Delhi’s concerns over the development.
When external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about the trilateral pact at a regular media briefing, he said India is closely following all “developments in the West Asia conflict” and will act to protect the country’s national interests. “As far as this particular agreement is concerned, we are examining its implications, both from the perspective of our national security, as well as considerations of regional peace and stability,” Jaiswal said. “India remains fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures in this regard,” he said, without going into details. Saudi Arabia’s growing military proximity to Pakistan against the backdrop of the West Asia conflict has not gone down well in New Delhi, people familiar with the matter said. Jaiswal said that there has been no change in India’s policy towards Pakistan. I need not emphasise which country is responsible for cross-border terrorism and which is the epicentre of terrorism, and where the action lies for stopping cross-border terrorism,” he said.
The pact builds on a bilateral mutual defence agreement concluded by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year. “We are where we were earlier. A joint statement issued by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on Friday said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement builds on shared strategic interests and longstanding defence cooperation.
