India Denies Seeking Defense Pact With Israel After Trilateral Deal

The Ministry of External Affairs of India dismissed reports claiming the Indian government sought a defense pact with Israel to counter a new security alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The ministry categorized these allegations as fake news, with its Fact Check unit stating the claims were malicious content created using artificial intelligence. The reports, originally published by the Turkish outlet Straturka, suggested India was reacting to the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

Under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey established a strategic pact where an armed attack on any one member is regarded as an attack on all three. While India continues to monitor the trilateral agreement, government officials denied any reactive diplomatic moves toward Israel.

Separate from the denial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation on Thursday. The two leaders discussed strengthening the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and reviewed cooperation across various sectors.