Pakistan and Turkey have been strengthening their defense and strategic partnership, a development that India is closely monitoring. Recent high-level meetings in Islamabad between Turkish ministers and Pakistani leaders underscore the deepening military and strategic bond between the two nations. Discussions have encompassed a wide array of areas, including UAVs, joint air exercises, arms trade, and military training. This burgeoning alliance is occurring against a backdrop of regional tensions, with both countries committing to expanding economic ties and joint ventures in defense and infrastructure.

Several factors contribute to this growing partnership. Turkey has shown unwavering support for Pakistan, particularly during diplomatic standoffs with India. This backing, especially concerning the Kashmir issue, has solidified the trust between the two nations. Moreover, both Turkey and Pakistan have faced arms embargoes and restrictions from Western suppliers, which has incentivized them to enhance their indigenous production capabilities and strategic ties.

The military-to-military relationship between Turkey and Pakistan has been steadily growing, with reinforced joint initiatives in training, arms and weapons production, and strategic projects. A key framework for this cooperation is the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), activated in February 2025, which includes 12 Joint Standing Committees covering sectors from defense and trade to energy and infrastructure.

Key Areas of Defense Cooperation:

• Naval Modernization: Turkey is playing a pivotal role in modernizing Pakistan's naval forces. This includes the construction of four Babur-class corvettes for the Pakistan Navy, based on Turkey's MILGEM design, with collaborative construction occurring in both Turkey and Pakistan. Additionally, Turkish defense companies have been involved in upgrading Pakistan's Agosta 90B-class submarines.
• Joint Military Production: The two countries are engaged in joint military production, with a notable example being the establishment of a joint factory to produce the KAAN fighter jet, formerly known as the TF-X.
• Arms Trade: Turkey's arms exports to Pakistan have been increasing. While there have been denials of specific recent arms deliveries amid heightened tensions, a significant percentage of Turkey's arms exports between 2020 and 2024 went to Pakistan.
• Joint Exercises and Training: Pakistan and Turkey regularly conduct joint military exercises to refine professional skills and harness military relations.
• UAVs: Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones have been sold to Pakistan, enhancing its aerial surveillance and strike capabilities.
• Other Areas: Cooperation extends to areas like modernizing Pakistan's Air Force fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft, and the integration of advanced Turkish targeting pods (ASELPOD) with PAF fighters such as the JF-17.

Implications for India:

India is closely watching the growing defense cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan. This partnership has several implications for India's security interests:

• Regional Power Balance: The alignment between Turkey and Pakistan potentially strengthens Pakistan's position in any future military confrontation with India.
• Diversification of Pakistan's Defense Partnerships: For Pakistan, the partnership with Turkey reinforces the urgency to diversify its defense partnerships and boost its deterrent capabilities.
• Strained India-Turkey Relations: Turkey's support for Pakistan, particularly on the Kashmir issue, has strained relations with India, leading to calls for boycotts of Turkish goods and cancellation of contracts.
• India's Response: In response to the growing Pakistan-Turkey relationship, India has recalibrated its foreign policy by strengthening ties with Turkey's regional rivals, such as Greece and Cyprus. India has also deepened its strategic ties with key players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Use of Turkish Drones: Reports suggest that Turkish drones were used by Pakistan in cross-border attacks during Operation Sindoor, leading to increased strategic tension between India and Turkey.

Despite some challenges and tensions in the India-Turkey relationship, there are views that matters will eventually settle down, and both sides will see sense in prioritizing their national interests and global standing. However, the strengthening defense ties between Turkey and Pakistan remain a significant factor that India must consider in its strategic calculations.