Washington, Aug 17 (HS): US President Donald Trump has described the recently signed Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence agreement as a “big, bold and important first step” towards enabling the three countries to defend themselves in a more meaningful way.

Trump's remarks came days after Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three.

“Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“Congratulations to the Great Leadership of the three Nations mentioned. THIS IS A BIG, BOLD, AND IMPORTANT FIRST STEP — WOW,” he said.

The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

India is examining the implications of the agreement for its national security as well as regional peace and stability.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said on August 11 that India was examining the agreement “both from the perspective of India's national security and considerations of regional peace and stability”.

“India remains fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures in this regard,” Jaiswal said.

The agreement comes amid continuing security concerns in West Asia and is expected to add a new dimension to the evolving regional security framework.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar