New Delhi: Reacting to the recently signed defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, senior Congress leader and former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor urged for a measured and diplomatic response, cautioning against any immediate overreaction.
In an interview with ANI, Tharoor described the agreement as the “formalisation of a relationship that has existed for years,” pointing out that Pakistan has historically positioned itself as a security ally within the Islamic world, often seeking to play the role of an enforcer on behalf of Muslim-majority nations.
While acknowledging that such developments should be closely monitored, Tharoor stated, “I don’t think we should overreact right now.” He did, however, express concern over certain clauses in the pact, particularly the one that suggests any act of aggression against one party would be treated as aggression against the other.
“That kind of mutual defence clause raises eyebrows,” he said, highlighting the contrast in Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic stance during India’s past military actions, notably Operation Sindoor, when Riyadh chose to remain silent.
At the same time, Tharoor expressed confidence in India’s diplomatic machinery, stating, “I’m sure our diplomats are not sitting idle; conversations with the Saudis must already be underway.” He emphasized that India enjoys strong and stable ties with the Gulf nations, underlining that these relationships remain largely unaffected by third-party alignments.
“Not every foreign policy move by another country is about us,” Tharoor remarked, cautioning against a self-centred interpretation of global diplomacy. Drawing a parallel with past actions of global powers like the United States, he noted that foreign governments act in their own strategic interests, and India must understand and navigate that reality without overestimating its centrality in their decisions.
Tharoor further reiterated the importance of staying engaged through diplomatic channels and expressed faith in the Indian government’s ability to manage such developments, especially given New Delhi’s deepening ties with the Islamic world over the past decade.
As the Pakistan-Saudi agreement makes headlines, strategic analysts are watching closely to assess its implications for regional security dynamics. Meanwhile, voices like Tharoor’s suggest that calm diplomacy, rather than alarm, is the most appropriate response for now.
