New Delhi, Sep 17 (INB) Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a strategic defence deal to jointly handle any aggression on either of the countries, a joint statement by the two Islamic nations said.
The agreement comes when the Indian government continues to run Operation Sindoor against Pakistan following attack on civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam.
The statement said that Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and its Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif signed the “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement”.
Saudi Arabia government said that the “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” has been signed between the two countries which builds on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries.
“This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” KSA government said
The Indian government said that it will study the impact of the deal and remains committed to protecting the country’s national interest.
India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration.
“We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains,” he said.
