Keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities, India tells Saudi Arabia after its 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement' with Pakistan

India, on Friday, said it expects Saudi Arabia to keep in mind "mutual interests and sensitivities" as Riyadh sealed a strategic defence pact with Pakistan.

"India and Saudi Arabia have a wide-ranging strategic partnership that has deepened considerably in the last few years," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while responding to a question, adding, "We expect that our strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities."

As per the 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement' signed by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, any aggression against either of the two countries will be considered as an aggression against both.

The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia joint statement said the new defence agreement reflects the "shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security" and it "aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression." 

According to the Pakistan-Saudi joint statement, the pact builds on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and is based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries.

On Thursday,  Jaiswal had said India will study the implications of the move for its national security as well as for regional and global stability.

In a carefully crafted response to a media query on the issue, Jaiswal said New Delhi remains committed to protecting India's national interests and ensuring "comprehensive national security in all domains".