India is worried about Turkey's support for Pakistan in Kashmir and defence cooperation

Türkiye's Strategic Interests in Pakistan

Cold War Alliances: Türkiye and Pakistan were members of the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), aligning their strategies with Western-oriented security structures.

Pakistan backed Türkiye's position on Cyprus and even provided military aid during the crises of 1964 and 1971. In 1983, Pakistan announced it would be the initial nation to acknowledge Turkish Cyprus upon its declaration of independence, thereby reinforcing the ideological connection between the two nations.

Challenging Saudi-Emirati Dominance: Türkiye, in collaboration with Qatar, aims to oppose the influence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Muslim world.

The Kuala Lumpur Summit (2019), which included Pakistan, Türkiye, Malaysia, and Indonesia, was viewed as a potential rival bloc to the dominance of Riyadh. Türkiye's Emphasis on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Türkiye is enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean by setting up its biggest foreign base in Somalia (2017).

In 2024, Türkiye sold Baykar TB2 drones to the Maldives, indicating an increasing presence in South Asia's maritime sphere. The Turkish Navy has often carried out joint drills with the Pakistan Navy, engaging minimally with the Indian Navy.

Türkiye-Pakistan Bağlantısı

Türkiye’s Aid to Pakistan Regarding Kashmir: Türkiye has consistently shown support for Pakistan concerning Kashmir, urging global awareness of the matter. Pakistan has recognized Türkiye, China, and Azerbaijan as its primary diplomatic partners in times of geopolitical crises.

Türkiye's Rise as a Leading Arms Provider: SIPRI data reveals that Turkish weapon exports increased by 103% from 2015-2019 to 2020-2024. By 2020, Türkiye had emerged as Pakistan's second-largest supplier of arms (following China), supplying sophisticated military hardware.

Pakistan's Acquisitions from Türkiye: Within the Military Consultative Group framework (initiated in 1988), Pakistan has obtained several defense agreements with Türkiye.

The Ada-class anti-submarine corvette and the transfer of drone technology underscore Türkiye’s dedication to enhancing Pakistan’s military capabilities.

Economic and Strategic Pacts: Pakistan and Türkiye have entered into several agreements that encompass trade, defense, and intelligence collaboration.

The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) between Pakistan and Türkiye promotes collaborative efforts in energy, finance, and security.

Türkiye-Pakistan Connection and Its Influence on India

Enhancing Connections with Greece and Cyprus: India has steadily interacted with and backed the Greece-supported Republic of Cyprus, opposing Türkiye and Pakistan’s support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Greece, in response, has supported India’s position on Kashmir, strengthening diplomatic unity.

Military Collaboration with Armenia: India has become one of the most robust military advocates for Armenia, especially regarding its territorial conflict with Türkiye-supported Azerbaijan.

By the end of 2024, India overtook Russia to become Armenia’s primary arms provider, a significant event in the international arms market.

Pakistan’s Position on Azerbaijan: Pakistan has persistently declined to acknowledge the Armenian genocide, aligning itself with Azerbaijan, which is backed by Türkiye. In 2024, Pakistan entered into a $1.6 billion defense agreement to provide Azerbaijan with JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, enhancing its trilateral partnership with Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

Geopolitical Changes Favoring India

U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy (2022): It excluded any mention of Pakistan, whereas India was referenced five times.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Sidesteps Türkiye: It contests Türkiye’s position as the link between Asia and Europe. Türkiye openly condemned IMEC, advocating for its own Asia-Europe route—the Iraq Development Road.

India's Reaction and Strategic Stance

Bolstering Regional Partnerships: India has enhanced relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and various Gulf countries, opposing Türkiye’s sway.

The defense collaboration between India and Greece has developed as a counterweight to Türkiye's regional aspirations.

Diplomatic Interactions: India has emphasized that Kashmir is a matter between two nations, dismissing Türkiye's interventionist position. India persists in collaborating with international partners to strengthen its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Military Readiness: India has improved its air defense systems and naval strengths, guaranteeing preparedness for regional security challenges. The S-400 missile system and domestic defense initiatives enhance India’s strategic deterrence.

Final Thoughts

The Pakistan-Türkiye relationship creates geopolitical difficulties for India, especially in the realms of defense and diplomacy.

Through strengthening regional collaborations, enhancing military strengths, and expanding diplomatic efforts, India can successfully address new threats while preserving strategic stability.