A recent defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has sent ripples across Asia, particularly raising eyebrows in India. This new agreement considers an attack on one nation an attack on the other, a significant development following a recent incident involving Israel and Qatar. While Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia are increasingly aligning with China, experts say India’s role in the region is far from over, though it faces new challenges.
The alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan isn’t entirely new. They share a long history of cooperation, with Pakistani troops assisting Saudi Arabia since 1963 and Riyadh even supporting Pakistan’s nuclear program. However, this formal defence pact comes at a time when regional dynamics are shifting.
India has a substantial presence in the Gulf, with nearly 10 million citizens residing there and billions in remittances flowing back home. Prime Minister Modi has actively worked to strengthen ties, positioning India as a strategic partner in trade and security.
However, a new trend sees Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, leaning towards China for advanced defence purchases and economic engagement. This shift follows past disagreements, like Pakistan’s refusal to support Saudi operations in Yemen in 2015. China’s growing naval presence in the region and its Belt and Road initiative are gaining traction, potentially overshadowing India’s own ambitions for Europe-Gulf trade corridors, which have been complicated by recent conflicts.
Experts suggest Gulf nations view India as a key regional player for investment but see China as a global powerhouse. India swiftly reacted to the pact, reminding Saudi Arabia of its “sensitivity” regarding regional security. The coming years will reveal how India navigates these evolving alliances and maintains its strategic interests in the crucial Gulf region.
