Erdogan unmoved by boycott-Turkey calls, backs true brother Pakistan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has doubled down on the Turkey-Pakistan brotherhood despite a growing call in India to boycott everything Turkish. Turkey not only provided Pakistan with military drones, but also operatives in its latest confrontation with India."As in the past, we will continue to stand by you in good times and bad in the future," said Erdogan, responding to a message from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.advertisementA Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft and a warship reached Pakistan even as temperatures soared after India vowed justice to the families of the 26 people killed by Pakistani and Pakistan-trained terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22.
As India struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) as part of Operation Sindoor, the Islamabad-Rawalpindi establishment attempted to hit Indian military and civilian areas.Pakistan tried to swarm India's aerial defences with Turkish drones. It reportedly used Bayraktar TB2 and YIHA drones against India.But what added to the anger of Indians was that Turkey not only supplied military hardware but Turkish operatives too.Two Turkish military operatives were killed as part of Operation Sindoor, sources told India Today TV.The hashtag BoycottTurkey has been trending in India, as Indians feel betrayed. India conducted Operation Dost to rush in aid to Turkey after the massive 2023 earthquake, but it returned the favour with drones to Pakistan.advertisementIndians are cancelling trips to Turkey and calling for a boycott of Turkish products. From politicians and actors to military veterans, everyone is lending voice to the "Boycott Turkey" movement.Even as tourist booking cancellations to Turkey or Turkiye rose by 250%, Indian corporates promised to shun Ankara, JNU suspended an agreement with a Turkish university, and film producers announced a boycott of the country for film shoots.However, Erdogan seems to be far from bothered with calls for a boycott echoing in India. He responded to Sharif's post in Turkish, highlighting the strong brotherhood."The Turkey-Pakistan brotherhood, which is granted to very few nations in the world, is one of the finest examples of true friendship. As Turkey, we attach great importance to Pakistan's peace, tranquility, and stability," said Erdogan.Without naming India or the recent conflict, he lauded Pakistan's "sensible policy" and its focus on "reconciliation"."We greatly appreciate the Pakistani state's sensible, patient policy that prioritises dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disputes," wrote Erdogan.He ended the post with -- "Long live Pakistan-Turkey friendship!"Shehbaz Sharif had written to thank Erdogan for the strong support shown by Turkey. Though the conflict with India wasn't mentioned, it was apparent what he was referring to, especially due to the choice of the word "challenge".advertisement"My dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strong support and unwavering solidarity with Pakistan have deeply touched me," wrote Sharif."Pakistan takes pride in its long-standing, time-tested, and enduring fraternal ties with Turkiye, which grow stronger with each new challenge," he added.Throughout India's Operation Sindoor, Ankara had been actively supporting Pakistan, both militarily and diplomatically. Not just Turkey, Azerbaijan too supported Pakistan and condemned India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and POK.Islamabad found a helping hand in Turkish military hardware and personnel. Whether it was the Asisguard Songar, Bayraktar TB2, or YIHA drones, Pakistan's "iron brother" Turkey actively enabled Islamabad's offensive against India.Turkey has emerged as Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier after China, providing advanced weaponry like Bayraktar TB2 and Asisguard Songar drones, MILGEM-class corvettes, and upgrades for Pakistan's F-16 jets and Agosta 90B submarines.Pakistan and Turkey have a robust military relationship, which has its based in Islamic brotherhood ideology and strategic interests. This has often positioned Ankara against India, including the Kashmir dispute.
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