Context
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Defence Agreement, strengthening their military and strategic ties. While details remain limited, the deal has raised concerns for India, especially in relation to Kashmir, Afghanistan, and West Asia security dynamics.
Key Features of the Agreement
- Military cooperation in defense technology & training.
- Joint production of defense equipment.
- Strategic consultations on regional security issues.
- Potential intelligence sharing & counterterrorism cooperation.
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Motives
- Regional Balance of Power – Countering Iran and asserting Gulf dominance.
- Post-U.S. Withdrawal – Diversifying partnerships amid declining U.S. presence in West Asia.
- Vision 2030 Alignment – Developing its defense industry beyond oil dependency.
- Pakistan’s Utility –
- Provides manpower and a large professional army.
- Strategic location → South Asia leverage.
Pakistan’s Strategic Interests
- Gain economic and defense support during financial crisis.
- Use Riyadh’s backing as diplomatic leverage on Kashmir.
- Secure investments and aid to stabilize its economy.
Implications for India
- Security Concerns
- Possible military aid may bolster Pakistan’s capabilities.
- Could escalate cross-border tensions in Kashmir.
- Diplomatic Challenges
- India’s ties with Saudi Arabia rest on:
- Energy security (oil imports).
- 2.6+ million Indian diaspora → large remittances.
- The deal risks straining this relationship.
- Geopolitical Realignment
- Signals Riyadh leaning closer to Islamabad.
- Weakens India’s security alignment in West Asia.
Strategic Context
- China Factor:
- Strong ties with both Pakistan & Saudi Arabia.
- Deal could complement CPEC and the BRI framework.
- India’s Stakes in West Asia:
- Major oil imports from Gulf.
- Employment for millions of Indian workers.
- Security cooperation critical against terrorism.
Challenges for India
- Balancing relations between Saudi Arabia & Iran (regional rivals).
- Managing simultaneous ties with Israel & Arab states.
- Vulnerability of energy dependence on Saudi oil.
- Need Riyadh’s cooperation on terror financing & extremism.
India’s Possible Responses
- Diplomatic Engagement:
- Strengthen high-level talks with Riyadh to highlight India’s concerns.
- Deepen non-defense ties – technology, infrastructure, investment.
- Diversify Partnerships:
- Expand links with UAE, Oman, Qatar.
- Use trilateral/multilateral forums (India–UAE–France, I2U2).
- Strategic Signaling:
- Strengthen defense ties with U.S., Japan, Australia (QUAD).
- Enhance indigenous defense capabilities.