MJ Akbar warns Saudi Arabia to weigh BRICS pact before deepening Mecca defence ties

Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar used a recent press conference in Mapusa, Goa, to caution Saudi Arabia about rushing into deeper security cooperation under the Mecca Defence Pact that links Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Akbar argued that Riyadh should first review the implications of the BRICS Delhi Declaration, which outlines new economic and geopolitical alignments, before cementing its defence commitments.

His remarks came on the heels of fresh Houthi missile strikes on Saudi territory, incidents that have heightened regional security concerns. By urging a careful assessment, Akbar highlighted the delicate balance Saudi Arabia must maintain between its traditional alliances and emerging partnerships.

For the South‑Asian diaspora, the commentary is significant. It signals possible shifts in the strategic calculus affecting Indo‑Pak relations, Saudi‑Pakistani economic projects, and the broader role of BRICS nations in South‑Asian geopolitics. Observers will watch how Saudi policymakers respond, as any recalibration could ripple through trade, energy, and community ties across the subcontinent’s global network.