Assessing ramifications of new defence pact between Pak, Türkiye and Saudi: MEA

India is evaluating the implications of a new defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, known as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, for the nation's security and regional stability. The agreement was signed 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. The pact builds upon a bilateral mutual defense agreement established between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia the previous year.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India is closely monitoring all developments in the West Asia conflict and will take necessary measures to protect the country's interests, without disclosing specific details. Jaiswal emphasized that India remains committed to safeguarding its national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.

The Indian government's concerns over the development are rooted in the growing military proximity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which could potentially destabilize the region. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's mutual defense pact, concluded in September 2025, has raised alarms in New Delhi, with people familiar with the matter expressing reservations about the development.

The joint statement released by the three countries on Friday highlighted the agreement's objective to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and enhance all aspects of defense cooperation among the three nations. However, Jaiswal dismissed the pact, saying that it does not reflect the concerns of the Indian government and that Pakistan must be held accountable for its human rights violations and atrocities.