Prelims

Qs based on location on GCC, Strait of Hormuz, Arabian Sea chokepoints.

Recent developments on significant defence agreements.

Conclusion

The Strategic mutual defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has added more ambiguity to already delicate security grid in South Asia and West Asia. In the case of India, it is how it can reconcile its strong economic relationship with Riyadh and protect its security interest against a Pakistan that is empowered by Saudi support.

The evolution depicts how the multipolar world order is fluid in alliances. To the aspirants of UPSC, it acts like a wakeup call that international relations is not all theory, but how changing alliances directly impact on the security, economy and the diplomacy of India.