The Ministry of External Affairs has firmly rejected reports suggesting that India sought a defence pact with Israel in response to the newly announced Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

The MEA categorically labelled the claims as ‘fake news,’ pointing out that the story originated from Turkish outlet Straturka and was amplified through social media channels quoting unnamed Pakistani sources.

The MEA’s Fact Check unit published a screenshot of the article, marking it as fabricated. It warned against malicious posts that exploit artificial intelligence to generate misleading narratives, stressing the need for vigilance against such disinformation campaigns.

The controversy emerged in the backdrop of the signing of the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. This pact is designed to enhance military synergy and collective security among the three states.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry emphasised that the treaty establishes a principle of collective deterrence, declaring that an attack on one signatory would be treated as an attack on all. The framework also outlines expanded cooperation across multiple defence domains.

Responding to the trilateral agreement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi is closely monitoring developments. He assured that India would continue to observe the situation and provide updates as necessary.

The MEA also clarified details surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jaiswal explained that the call was initiated from the Israeli side and focused on strengthening the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership. The leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, reaffirming the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The timing of the call, coming just a day before the MEA’s rebuttal of the ‘fake news’ report, underscored the importance of India’s ties with Israel. Both nations continue to expand collaboration in defence, trade, infrastructure, and technology, even as regional dynamics shift with new alliances emerging.

India’s dismissal of the fabricated report highlights its sensitivity to misinformation campaigns that attempt to exploit geopolitical tensions. It also reflects New Delhi’s intent to maintain clarity in its foreign policy messaging, especially at a time when strategic alignments in West Asia are undergoing significant change.

ANI