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US-Iran war throws up a new diplomatic stressor for India

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye, establishes a collective deterrence, viewing an attack on one as an attack on all. This pact profoundly threatens India's diplomatic efforts in West Asia, providing Pakistan with a strategic advantage. It also underscores the erosion of US credibility and weakens Israel's regional standing. With Pakistan's nuclear umbrella, Saudi Arabia's financial muscle, and Türkiye's military-industrial capacity, the alliance forms a significant geopolitical challenge. The agreement risks undermining India's alignment with the US-Israel-UAE axis, further complicating New Delhi's regional ties.

LiveMint · Elizabeth Roche · Aug 8, 2026 at 10:49 AM

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