Is the new deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan an alarm bell for India or a new move by China?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Recently, a security deal has been signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, about which there is a lot of talk around the world, and especially in India. People are wondering whether our old friend Saudi Arabia has changed sides? Is China playing a game behind the scenes? And the biggest question is, will it affect India’s strong position in the Gulf countries?

Let us understand in simple words through the opinion of an American expert, what is the reality and do we really need to worry.

What has happened between Saudi and Pakistan?

Recently, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to increase defense cooperation. It looks huge, but American expert (Michael Kugelman) believes that this is not a ‘new’ thing. Pakistan has been providing security and troops to the Saudi royal family for decades. This new agreement is just like giving an official and legal shape to that old relationship.

Is China involved in this?

Now coming to the question that is in everyone’s mind, is China forming a new group (Bloc)?
Some people are saying that this is becoming a ‘China-loving’ alliance as both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are moving closer to China. Experts say that yes, China will be happy to see its two friends coming together, but it is too early to call it a “China-made grouping”.
The truth is that Saudi Arabia is still dependent on America for security and weapons, not on China. So this is not entirely China’s game.

So should India take ‘tension’?

This is the most important thing. Is India’s influence in the Gulf countries decreasing?
American experts say the answer is no way.

1. Different roles: In the eyes of Saudi Arabia, the roles of India and Pakistan are completely different. Pakistan provides them ‘military power’, whereas India is a big ‘economic partner’ for them.
2. India’s own place: The relations that India has built with Saudi Arabia and UAE in the last few years are so strong that no deal with Pakistan can shake them.
3. Old glasses need to be removed: Earlier we used to look at everything from the perspective of “India vs Pakistan”. But now times have changed. Saudi Arabia and UAE know how important India is for their future and for their economy.

Conclusion: Nothing to fear

In short, this deal fulfills the needs of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan needs money and support, and Saudi needs security. This does not at all mean that India is ‘losing’. It no longer happens in diplomacy that if you shake hands with one, you break hands with the other. India stands strongly in the Gulf countries on the basis of its trade and trust and will continue to stand so in future also.