The recent surge in tensions between India and Pakistan has brought Turkey's role as a key military supplier to Pakistan under intense scrutiny, particularly the use of Turkish-made drones in attacks on Indian territory. These drones, produced by Baykar, a company chaired by Turkish President Erdogan's son-in-law, Selçuk Bayraktar, were reportedly deployed in a May 10 attack targeting civilian areas in Punjab. This has led to a strong backlash in India, with calls for a boycott of Turkish products and a review of business ties with Turkish firms.
The Erdogan Connection
The involvement of Turkish drones in the attacks has drawn attention to the close relationship between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan. The fact that the drones are manufactured by a company run by Erdogan's son-in-law has further fueled concerns about Turkey's intentions and its support for Pakistan's actions. Erdogan's government has been a vocal supporter of Pakistan on various international platforms, including on the issue of Kashmir, which has further strained relations with India.
India's Response
India has responded strongly to the use of Turkish drones in the attacks. New Delhi is reviewing business ties with Turkish firms, revoking security clearances, and freezing diplomatic engagements. India revoked the security clearance for a Turkish company, Chalabi, which managed ground operations at nine major Indian airports. The Delhi airport also ended its partnership with Chalabi. Additionally, the Indian government is reportedly reviewing the operations of Turkish Airlines in India, including its partnership with Indigo, a major Indian budget carrier.
Beyond official measures, a wave of anger has swept across India, with citizens calling for a boycott of Turkish products and services. Travel agencies report a significant number of cancellations of bookings to Turkey. This public outcry reflects a deep sense of betrayal, given that India had rushed aid to Turkey after the massive earthquake.
Effectiveness of Turkish Drones
Despite Pakistan's reliance on Turkish drones, their effectiveness in the recent conflict has been questioned. The Indian Army has mocked the "overhyped" Turkish drones, highlighting their inability to penetrate India's robust air defense systems. India claims to have neutralized a large number of Turkish drones, including Asisguard Songar and Byker YIHA III models. The Indian Air Force showcased debris from downed drones as proof of their ineffectiveness. Some reports even suggest that some Turkish drones crashed within Pakistan due to malfunctions or operator errors.
Broader Implications
The use of Turkish drones by Pakistan has broader implications for regional security and India-Turkey relations. It has highlighted the growing defense partnership between Turkey and Pakistan, with Turkey emerging as a major arms exporter to Islamabad. This has prompted India to adjust its geopolitical partnerships to counter the Pakistan-Turkey nexus. India has strengthened ties with countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia, which have strained relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The incident has also brought into focus Erdogan's ambition to lead the Muslim world, which is seen as a key driver behind Turkey's support for Pakistan. This ambition, coupled with Turkey's growing military presence in the region, is raising concerns among some observers about Ankara's long-term goals.
Overall, the use of Turkish drones in attacks on India has triggered a diplomatic and economic backlash, with India taking steps to review ties with Turkey and promote a boycott of Turkish products. The incident has also raised broader questions about Turkey's regional ambitions and its relationship with Pakistan.
