India faces rising drone attacks from Pakistan using Turkish drones, hinting at a growing Turkey-Pakistan military alliance against Indian interests.
Contents
The Historical Shift: From Support to Strain
India once supported Turkey during its Khilafat Movement days — a gesture rooted in anti-British sentiment. However, that old friendship seems to have faded. In recent times, Turkey has openly supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and even mobilized military aircraft and drones during times of India-Pakistan tensions. This shift has taken many Indians by surprise.
Turkey’s Islamic Leadership Ambition
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has revived its Islamist image. His leadership aims to position Turkey as the leader of the Muslim world — a modern revival of the Ottoman Caliphate. In this quest, Pakistan is seen as a strategic ally. There’s speculation that Turkey may be seeking nuclear collaboration with Pakistan. Turkey’s alliances are not just ideological but strategic, covering areas like Azerbaijan and the Middle East.
India’s Stance That Irks Turkey
Several Indian diplomatic moves have not aligned with Turkey’s interests:
- Cyprus: India recognizes the Republic of Cyprus, not the Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus.
- Kurdistan: While India hasn’t declared PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) a terrorist group, it has shown sympathy for Kurdish rights and maintains a consulate in Erbil.
- Armenian Genocide: India has gradually acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, something Turkey vehemently denies.
Each of these positions weakens India-Turkey relations further.
The Strategic Equation: Why Turkey Backs Pakistan
Turkey’s support for Pakistan is not just about ideology; it’s a calculated geopolitical move:
- Access to Pakistan’s nuclear expertise
- A unified front on Kashmir and Muslim identity
- Countering India’s growing influence in the Mediterranean and Middle East
Conclusion: A New Geopolitical Reality
The growing Turkey-Pakistan axis poses strategic challenges for India. What was once a neutral or even friendly country is now supporting India’s adversary militarily and diplomatically. India, in turn, must continue to balance its principled diplomacy with strategic recalibrations in West Asia.
