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News Topical, Digital Desk : The agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is being seen as a threat to India's security. Furthermore, it is being seen as a response to Israel's nuclear weapons in the Middle East. The agreement states that an attack against either country will be considered an attack against both countries.
Experts believe that by entering into an agreement with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has included itself within the nuclear umbrella currently held by Israel in the Middle East, as Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Islamic country with missiles capable of reaching Israel.
Saudi Arabia is associated with a nuclear power
This agreement with Pakistan effectively aligns Saudi Arabia with Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Although few details of the agreement have been released, Riyadh has indicated that it will gain a genuine security shield under the deal. Experts say Israel will be closely monitoring the deal.
Agreement should not be used for aggression: Asif
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Reuters that nuclear weapons are not on the radar of the deal, adding that the agreement could be extended to other Gulf countries.
"We have no intention of using this agreement for any kind of aggression. But if both sides are threatened, then obviously this arrangement will be implemented," Asif said.
All military resources included in the defensive agreement – Saudi
Gulf Arab countries said Israel had already proven itself a direct threat after last week's attacks on Qatar. Saudi Arabia has also said it would do the same if rival Iran acquires nuclear weapons.
Asked whether Pakistan would now be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella, a senior Saudi official told Reuters: “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that includes all military means.”
The agreement symbolizes declining confidence in America's security.
Analysts said the agreement also reflected waning confidence in the security the United States provides to the region.
A Saudi Arabian statement said the agreement aimed to "develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence capabilities".
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