Turkey’s Continued Support for Pakistan Strains Ties with India, Poses Risks for Turkish Economy
Turkey’s Unwavering Support for Pakistan and Its Impact on Relations with India
During the conflict between India and Pakistan, Turkey openly sided with Pakistan, a stance that has become a recurring theme. This is not the first time that Turkey has supported Pakistan on any issue related to India-Pakistan tensions. On international platforms like the United Nations, Turkey has repeatedly backed Pakistan, even during the latest spike in tensions between the two countries. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made several statements supporting Pakistan on social media, further aggravating the situation.
Soon after, news emerged that four Turkish 130C Hercules aircraft had landed in Karachi and Islamabad, sparking global attention. In response, Turkey immediately issued a denial, accusing Pakistan of spreading false information, claiming the landing was related to fuel refueling operations.
Turkey’s Extensive Support for Pakistan
Following the “Operation Sindoor” by India, Pakistan attempted an attack that failed. Reports indicate that Turkey not only assisted Pakistan with drones but also sent military personnel to help Islamabad carry out drone strikes against India. During the four-day conflict, Turkey reportedly supplied over 350 drones to Pakistan, further intensifying its support for Islamabad.
India Helps Turkey in its Time of Need
While Turkey has extended support to Pakistan, the situation reversed when Turkey faced a devastating earthquake in 2023. It was India, not Pakistan, that extended a helping hand, sending its National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in rescue and relief operations. India’s government launched “Operation Dost” to send emergency supplies, medicines, and equipment to Turkey. India’s swift action in Turkey’s time of crisis highlighted the country’s commitment to global solidarity, while Turkey’s response to India’s assistance seems to have been less appreciative.
Turkey’s Approach: Brotherhood with Pakistan, Friendship with India
Turkey’s stance remains that Pakistan is its “brother,” while India is referred to as a “friend.” However, when it comes to critical decisions, Turkey consistently aligns with Pakistan, especially on issues like Kashmir. Erdoğan seems to want the Kashmir issue to tilt in Pakistan’s favor, resembling his broader vision of becoming a leader in the Islamic world. Despite the global recognition of Pakistan as a hub for terrorism, Turkey continues to support Pakistan in various international matters.
Why Does Turkey Continue to Ignore India?
Turkey’s foreign policy, while maintaining its alliance with Pakistan, has led it to a delicate situation with India. Historically, Turkey has had limited economic ties with India. Diplomatic relations between the two were established in 1948, but the two countries have never developed close partnerships. During the Cold War, Turkey sided with the United States, while India championed non-alignment. In recent years, Turkey’s ambitions of asserting dominance in the Islamic world have shaped its foreign policy choices.
Turkey’s relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran also play a role in this. The competition for regional power in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, and Israel has been long-standing. While India has good relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, Turkey has leaned more towards Pakistan, finding a commonality in their shared Islamic identity.
Turkey’s Indifference to India’s Market
Despite the growing tension, Turkish President Erdoğan has shown no signs of wavering in his support for Pakistan. He has made it clear that Turkey will continue to back Pakistan, irrespective of the consequences, stating, “We do not think about the losses.” From a business perspective, Turkey’s disregard for India’s growing economic clout could backfire. While Turkey primarily depends on tourism as a source of revenue, its foreign policy seems driven more by religious and ideological considerations than practical economic interests. If India were to sever ties, it would undoubtedly affect Turkey’s economy, particularly its tourism industry, which is highly dependent on global travelers, including Indians.
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