NEW DELHI: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has called for a measured response to the recent defense agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of not overreacting while maintaining confidence in India’s diplomatic efforts.
Speaking to ANI, Tharoor characterized the pact as a formalization of a long-standing relationship. “This is a continuation of something that has existed for decades. Pakistan has long tried to represent itself as the enforcement arm of the Muslim world. I don’t think we should overreact right now,” he stated. He pointed out that historically, there were instances where as many as 20,000 Pakistani troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia, indicating that military ties between the two countries are not a new development.
Tharoor acknowledged some concerning elements of the pact, particularly the commitment that any act of aggression against one country would be considered an act against both. He recalled Saudi Arabia’s silence during Operation Sindoor but expressed optimism regarding India’s ongoing diplomatic talks with Riyadh. “I’m sure diplomats are not sitting idle; they are talking to the Saudis. We should have faith in our government that we maintain strong relations with the Islamic world, particularly with Gulf countries,” he added.
Furthermore, Tharoor cautioned against analyzing international events solely through an Indian lens, advising that not all actions by foreign leaders, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump or Saudi officials, are directly related to India. “We must not adopt a self-centered view of the world,” he remarked.
The defense pact, signed in Riyadh last week during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, formalizes a commitment for mutual defense, stating that aggression against one side will be perceived as aggression against the other. According to a joint statement, the agreement aims to bolster defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence.
In response to the announcement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs indicated it would closely assess the implications of the agreement. “We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
