India analysing impact of Mecca defence pact to safeguard its interests: External Affairs Ministry

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 11 (STC): Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Arabia Mecca Defence Pact has gained attention of many nations, including India. Experts have engaged themselves in analysing its impact on the global politics.
Notably, the agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Erdogan and PakistaniPM Shehbaz Sharif. The pact, signed in Mecca on August 7, provides for greater defence cooperation and collective deterrence among the three countries.
According to reports in a cross section of media, India is examining the implications of this newly signed tri-nation defence pact. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it will take all necessary steps to safeguard the country’s national interests.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and assessing the agreement from the perspectives of national security, regional peace and stability.
Jaiswal stressed that India remains committed to protecting its interests and would take all necessary measures in response to developments.
It’s pertinent to mention that under the Mecca Pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an act of aggression against all three. The agreement seeks to strengthen collective deterrence and expand defence cooperation.
Saudi Arabia has separately clarified that the pact does not amount to a military alliance or religious bloc and does not involve nuclear ambitions or a regional arms race.
“The agreement is aimed at developing sustainable, self-reliant defence capabilities while maintaining the kingdom’s existing relationships with Gulf, Arab and international partners,” it said
Erdogan said the pact would strengthen collective deterrence, expand defence cooperation, support joint defence manufacturing and enhance counter-terrorism efforts.
He added that the agreement recognises the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and is not directed against any particular country.

(Straight Talk Communications)