US–Saudi Arabia Relations and India

26.11.2025

US–Saudi Arabia Relations and India

The US–Saudi relationship, dating back to 1945, has been shaped by the “Oil for Security” arrangement: Saudi Arabia ensured stable energy supplies to global markets, while the US extended security guarantees, military equipment, and strategic protection to the kingdom.

Recent Development: Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)

In November 2025, the United States designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a move that significantly upgrades military and strategic cooperation without offering NATO-like collective defense commitments.

Key Features of MNNA Status

• Access to advanced US military technologies.
   
• Priority in military equipment deliveries.
   
• Joint research, development, and defence manufacturing.
   
• Eligibility to stockpile US military hardware on Saudi soil.
   
• Expansion of intelligence-sharing, training, and operational cooperation.
   

Major Associated Agreements

• A comprehensive arms deal involving F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 modern US tanks.
   
• Collaboration in AI, defence R&D, missile systems, and civil nuclear projects.
   
• Long-term plans for co-production under the US–Saudi strategic partnership framework.
   

This development reflects US attempts to counter China’s expanding influence in the Gulf, particularly after China mediated the Saudi–Iran rapprochement, and at a time when China has become Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner.

Implications for India

1. Security Concerns

• The deep Saudi–Pakistan defence partnership raises concerns that US-origin, high-end weaponry supplied to Saudi Arabia could indirectly enhance Pakistan’s military capacity.
   
• This complicates India’s security calculations amidst existing regional tensions.
   

2. Energy and Economic Concerns

• India’s substantial imports of discounted Russian oil place it at odds with the strategic energy preferences of both Saudi Arabia and the US.
   
• Saudi Arabia may seek to regain market share in India, while the US remains wary of India’s continued reliance on Russian crude.
   
• This creates a delicate diplomatic balancing act for India.
   

Conclusion

The US designation of Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally marks a significant realignment in Gulf geopolitics, with direct implications for India’s security environment, energy diplomacy, and foreign policy strategy. As global power competition intensifies, India must navigate these shifts with calibrated diplomatic engagement.