No Worry Regarding Saudi-Pakistan Agreement
In a significant geopolitical move, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a strategic mutual defense pact this week, including a NATO-like collective defense clause. This development, which has been perceived as a posturing strategy by Saudi Arabia, has raised concerns in various regions, particularly India.
The pact, which includes a commitment to collective defense, has been driven by Saudi Arabia's anxieties in the volatile Middle East. Considering the region's characterised by Arab-Israeli tensions and Israel's disregard for red lines, Saudi Arabia's concerns about Israel's actions are understandable.
Israel, known for its extraterritorial adventurism across the Middle East, has been a potential concern for Saudi Arabia. Recent events such as Israel's strike on a building in Doha, Qatar, and the US's tepid response to a Middle Eastern ally having its sovereignty invaded, may have pushed Saudi Arabia to seek a nuclear umbrella from an ally.
India, traditionally standing alone in the region without any mutual defense pacts, finds itself increasingly isolated diplomatically. India has had to navigate the complexity of Pakistan's use of terror as a state policy, a significant aspect of Pakistan's foreign policy towards India. India's righteous position against state-sponsored terror from Pakistan is a significant aspect of its foreign policy.
The pact, however, does not necessarily imply immediate military intervention by Saudi Arabia in the event of a conflict between India and Pakistan. India has not publicly stated a direct position on the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan mutual defense pact. Given the historical rivalry and strategic tensions between India and Pakistan, it is likely that India views the agreement with concern as it formalizes closer military cooperation, including potential nuclear dimensions, between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
India's ability to stand up for itself has been a strength, particularly in the face of an unfriendly neighborhood. Despite this, India may have to take a pragmatic view of international relations due to the strategic position of Pakistan, the only Muslim-majority country known to have nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's historically more likely to provide financial aid rather than arms to Pakistan. However, the defense pact serves Saudi Arabia at a time of uncertainties caused by the United States being perceived as less reliable than before.
Saudi Arabia may also be concerned about the potential nuclear capability of Iran, another perceived enemy. The defense pact states that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both, potentially adding another layer of complexity to the Middle East's geopolitical landscape.
This development underscores the complexities and uncertainties of the international political landscape, particularly in the Middle East. As nations maneuver for strategic advantage and security, the potential for conflict remains a constant concern.
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