Turkey's deepening relationship with Pakistan is increasingly viewed as a challenge to India's strategic interests and diplomatic relations. This alliance, solidified by mutual support on various international platforms and growing defense cooperation, has led to a strain in India-Turkey relations, particularly as Turkey has become a vocal supporter of Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue.

Historical Context and Evolving Dynamics

India and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1948, and while historically characterized by warmth and cordiality, the relationship has seen sporadic tensions. During the Cold War, Turkey aligned with the Western Bloc, while India was a part of the Non-Aligned Movement. However, in recent years, Turkey's increasing alignment with Pakistan, driven by religious mutuality and geopolitical interests, has become a sticking point in its relationship with India.

Turkey's Support for Pakistan

Turkey has consistently voiced its support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, often echoing Pakistan's stance at international forums like the United Nations. This unwavering support, coupled with Turkey's growing defense ties with Pakistan, has irked India. President Erdogan has repeatedly affirmed Turkey's solidarity with Pakistan, vowing to stand by them "in good times and bad". Such statements, especially in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, have been perceived as direct rebukes by New Delhi.

Defense Cooperation and Military Support

The defense partnership between Turkey and Pakistan has seen significant growth, with Turkey emerging as a major arms supplier to Pakistan. This cooperation includes upgrades to Pakistan's existing military equipment and the supply of advanced weaponry, including Turkish-made drones. The use of Turkish Asisguard Songar drones by Pakistan against Indian military installations has further exacerbated tensions, raising concerns about Turkey's direct military support to Pakistan.

India's Response and Countermeasures

India has responded to Turkey's pro-Pakistan stance with a mix of diplomatic and economic measures. The Ministry of External Affairs has condemned Turkey's remarks on Kashmir and lodged protests with the Turkish Ambassador in New Delhi. Moreover, there have been growing calls within India to boycott Turkish goods and tourism, reflecting public dissatisfaction with Turkey's position.

In February 2025, Erdogan asserted that Turkey “as in the past, stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today”. India deemed these comments “unacceptable” and lodged a protest with the Turkish Ambassador in New Delhi.

Furthermore, India has been strategically aligning with countries that are at odds with Turkey, such as Armenia. In an exceptional move, India became the largest arms supplier to Armenia in late 2024, surpassing even Russia. This move is seen as a countermeasure to the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan alliance, with India supporting Armenia against Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Economic Implications

Despite the political tensions, trade relations between India and Turkey have continued, although they face potential strain. India's exports to Turkey include mineral fuels, electrical machinery, and organic chemicals, while imports consist of marble, apples, and mineral oil. While the trade volume is not a major component of India's overall trade, calls for boycotts could impact economic exchanges between the two countries.

The Geopolitical Angle

The growing Turkey-Pakistan nexus is also impacting India's geopolitical calculations in the region. With the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) bypassing Turkey, Ankara has expressed its displeasure and is seeking to establish its own Asia-Europe corridor. This divergence in strategic interests further complicates the India-Turkey relationship.

Recent Developments

In the aftermath of India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, both Turkey and Azerbaijan criticized India's actions, leading to increased tensions. This criticism, combined with the use of Turkish-made drones by Pakistan, has triggered strong reactions in India, including calls for boycotts and reassessment of diplomatic ties.

In light of these developments, India's relations with Turkey are at a critical juncture. While historical ties and economic interests provide a basis for cooperation, Turkey's unwavering support for Pakistan and its growing defense partnership with Islamabad continue to pose significant challenges to the relationship. How both countries navigate these complexities will determine the future trajectory of their bilateral relations.