Could Saudi Arabia's Defence Pact with Pakistan Empower the Military and Jihadi Groups?
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Synopsis
Explore the implications of Saudi Arabia's defence pact with Pakistan. This agreement may empower the Pakistani military and jihadi factions, escalating tensions with India. Learn how this development affects regional stability and India's security posture.
Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia's defence pact with Pakistan may empower its military and jihadi groups.
- India has expressed serious concerns regarding national security.
- The pact's clause on aggression raises alarms for India.
- Experts do not expect direct Saudi military involvement.
- Pakistan's economic struggles hinder military enhancements.
Riyadh, Sep 20 (NationPress) Despite Saudi Arabia's awareness of the underlying issues fueling the conflict between India and Pakistan, its recent defence agreement with Islamabad may empower the Pakistani military and jihadi groups to launch attacks against India, a report stated on Saturday.
The report highlighted that Saudi Arabia is not in a position to dismantle Pakistan's jihadi factions or abandon its long-standing strategy of utilizing terrorism as a tool against India.
Pakistan asserts territorial claims over India, a stance it is resolutely committed to, backed by an Army Chief known for his hardline Islamist views and inflammatory comments aimed at India and Hindus.
In the words of Kanwal Sibal, a prominent Indian diplomat and former Foreign Secretary of India, “The declaration of a strategic defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan carries significant implications for us and the region. India's immediate response reflects our serious concerns and our desire to clarify our position without delay.”
“We have explicitly articulated our grave concerns regarding the effects of this development on our national security, alongside regional and global stability. By emphasizing our commitment to safeguarding our national interests and ensuring comprehensive security across all sectors in light of this defence pact, we have been unusually candid,” he added.
The esteemed expert noted that India's strong reaction is likely due to a particular clause in the pact, mentioned in the Saudi statement, indicating that any aggression against one nation would be viewed as aggression against the other.
He pointed out that, from Pakistan's perspective, India is the only nation capable of committing such 'aggression.' Sibal raised the question of whether Saudi Arabia would interpret a major terrorist attack sponsored by Pakistan, followed by a military response from India, as an attack on itself.
“We certainly do not anticipate Saudi Arabia directly engaging in military conflict with India. However, we can foresee Saudi financial support for Pakistan to enhance its military capabilities, thereby strengthening its security assistance to Saudi Arabia in the future,” the report mentioned.
“In the recent conflict with India, Pakistan sustained significant damage to its air bases and is now likely seeking to address vulnerabilities in its air defence systems. This requires substantial funding, which Pakistan, given its economic turmoil, can scarcely afford,” it concluded.
Point of View
It's crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective while addressing the complexities of international relations. The recent defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan necessitates a careful analysis of its implications for national security and regional stability. We must prioritize the interests of our nation while fostering dialogue and understanding in a challenging geopolitical landscape.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the implications of the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact?
The defence pact could potentially empower the Pakistani military and jihadi groups, increasing tensions with India and impacting regional stability.
How has India reacted to the defence pact?
India has expressed serious concerns regarding the pact's implications for national security and has articulated its stance on the matter.
What does the pact say about aggression?
The pact includes a clause stating that aggression against one country will be considered aggression against the other, raising alarms in India.
Will Saudi Arabia engage militarily with India?
It is unlikely that Saudi Arabia will engage directly in military confrontation with India; however, they may provide financial support to Pakistan.
What challenges does Pakistan face economically?
Pakistan is struggling economically, which complicates its ability to enhance military capabilities despite the recent defence pact.
