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News18
12-05-2025
- Business
- News18
How Pakistan-Turkey Nexus Is A Big Trouble For India, How Much Involved Was Ankara In The Conflict
Last Updated: Pakistan ordered 30 Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters in 2018 for $1.5 billion, to upgrade its attack helicopter fleet. The deal has been stalled due to US export licence issues Days after the Pahalgam terror attack when India and Pakistan locked horns, reports surfaced claiming that several Turkish C-130 Hercules transport aircraft landed in Pakistan carrying weapons, sparking speculation that the ally provided last-minute arms delivery to Islamabad. The Turkish government, however, refuted the claims. As per the Indian government's statement, 'A cargo plane from Turkiye landed in Pakistan for refuelling. It then continued on its route. Speculative news made outside of statements of authorised persons and institutions should not be relied upon." Who Was Helping Pakistan During Conflict? It appears Turkey is actively helping Pakistan in combat against India. The Indian government said on Friday on the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army fired Turkey's SONGAR drones at 36 locations in India. Reports suggest that a Turkish naval warship, TCG BÜYÜKADA, arrived at Karachi port last Sunday, just days after a Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft landed in the city. Turkish authorities described the visit as a usual port visit after a similar visit to Oman, but the timing was suspicious. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, Turkey-Pakistan ties have transformed into structured military cooperation, encompassing defence production, training, joint operations, and strategic alignment. Turkey and Pakistan increasingly see themselves as part of a broader Islamic geopolitical bloc, often positioning themselves in contrast to traditional Middle Eastern power centres like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, or regional rivals such as India and Greece. Erdogan's ambition to lead the Muslim ummah aligns well with Pakistan's long-standing desire for leadership in the Islamic world. One of the most visible areas of growth has been in defence industrial collaboration, with Turkey emerging as a key defence supplier for Pakistan. In 2018, Pakistan signed a major deal with Turkish state-owned defence contractor ASFAT for four MILGEM-class stealth corvettes, part of Turkey's flagship indigenous naval programme. The deal was valued at around $1.5 billion and includes technology transfer, with two corvettes being built in Pakistan's Karachi Shipyard. Pakistan ordered 30 Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters in 2018 for $1.5 billion, to upgrade its attack helicopter fleet. The deal has been stalled due to US export licence issues, as the engines used are American-made. However, both Turkey and Pakistan continue to explore workarounds, including engine replacement or indigenous development. Why Is Turkey Interested In Pakistan? During the Cold War, Turkey and Pakistan were together in groupings such as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and the Regional Cooperation Development (RCD). The two countries have mostly supported each other during times of crisis. Since 2003, when he became Prime Minister, Erdogan has visited Pakistan at least 10 times. His most recent visit came in February this year when Erdogan, now the President, co-chaired the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Turkey's interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has increased of late. In 2017, Ankara set up its largest overseas base in Somalia amid growing economic and military cooperation with Mogadishu. In 2024, Turkey sold its Baykar TB2 drones to Maldives. Since 2000, the Turkish Navy has held numerous joint exercises with the Pakistan Navy, the second largest in the IOR. By contrast, it has hardly had any exercises with the Indian Navy. What Are Pakistan's Interest In Turkey? Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan on Kashmir. In February, Erdogan asserted that Turkey 'as in the past, stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today". India called out Turkey, and lodged a protest against Turkish Ambassador in New Delhi. But Pakistan has benefited most from Turkey in the defence sector. As per SIPRI data, Turkish arms exports (globally) surged by 103% between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024. By 2020, Turkey had become Pakistan's second largest arms supplier (after China), according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. Pakistan's recent acquisitions include Bayraktar drones and Kemankes cruise missiles. The Asisguard Songar is its latest acquisition, as per The Indian Express. In 2018, Turkey's STM Defence Technologies struck a $1 billion deal for four corvettes of a new class for the Pakistan Navy. What Is India's Concern? India has adjusted its own geopolitical partnerships to counter the Pakistan-Turkey nexus. In Eastern Europe, India has consistently supported and engaged the Greece-backed Republic of Cyprus. This is contrary to the Turkish and Pakistani positions, which support the internationally unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Greece has reciprocated with support for India's position on Kashmir. In the South Caucasus, India has emerged as one of the strongest military backers of Armenia, which is locked in a territorial conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. In an exceptional occurrence, India emerged as the largest arms supplier to Armenia by late 2024, surpassing even Russia, as per an Indian Express report. First Published:
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First Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Why and how is Turkey doubling down on its support for Pakistan
Turkey has emerged as one of Pakistan's most steadfast defence and diplomatic partners, from supplying armed drones used in recent cross-border escalations to voicing support on Kashmir at global forums. The growing Ankara-Islamabad axis raises critical questions about regional power in Asia read more Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharid and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a bilateral meeting in Ankara, Turkey on April 22, 2025. Image/Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara Turkey's growing alignment with Pakistan — politically, militarily and ideologically — has drawn increasing scrutiny in India. This strategic partnership has not only matured into a deep defence alliance but has also come at the expense of India-Turkey relations, which continue to deteriorate under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Recent developments have brought the growing Islamabad-Ankara nexus into sharper focus, particularly as it begins to manifest not just in rhetoric but on India's borders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkish drones used by Pakistan against India On the night of May 8, Indian forces witnessed unprecedented drone intrusions across the northern and western frontiers , with over 300 to 400 unmanned aerial vehicles attempting to cross into Indian territory at 36 different locations, ranging from Leh in the north to Sir Creek in the west. Indian authorities have now confirmed that the drones used were the Songar armed drone systems, manufactured by Turkish defence firm Asisguard . 'Preliminary reports suggest they are Asisguard's Songar drone from Turkey,' stated Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during a media briefing. The Songar drones are designed for low-intensity conflicts and can carry firearms or grenades. Forensic analysis is ongoing, but officials say there is little doubt about the origin of the equipment. India's concerns deepened when a Turkish C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft landed at Karachi airport on April 27. Although Ankara claimed it was a routine stop, Indian officials are assessing whether this flight might have delivered the drones used in the attack. Adding to suspicions, a high-ranking Turkish military delegation led by Lt. Gen. Yasar Kadioglu reportedly visited the Pakistan Air Force headquarters just three days later. This discovery has raised alarm bells in New Delhi, not only for the threat posed by the intrusion itself but also for what it reveals about the evolving Turkey-Pakistan defence partnership. Experts say say all these developments show that it is time for India to corner Turkey diplomatically, strategically and globally, given it is now clear which camp Turkey stands in. How Turkey has armed Pakistan The defence collaboration between Turkey and Pakistan is not new but has seen significant acceleration over the past decade. In 2018, Pakistan signed a $1.5 billion agreement with Turkish state-owned defence firm ASFAT to acquire four MILGEM-class stealth corvettes as part of Turkey's flagship naval programme. This contract also included technology transfer, with two of the vessels being built at Karachi Shipyard. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Turkish defence industry has also supported Pakistan's Air Force and Army modernisation efforts. The Pakistan Air Force has received F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and the two countries have been exploring further cooperation in attack helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. In 2018, Islamabad placed an order for 30 Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters, also valued around $1.5 billion. Although this deal has stalled due to US export license restrictions, both sides continue to seek alternatives. Recent additions to Pakistan's military inventory include Turkish Bayraktar TB2 armed UAVs and Kemankes cruise missiles. As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Pakistan received three TB2 drones in 2022. The newly identified Songar drones represent yet another Turkish contribution to Pakistan's growing aerial capabilities. Ankara has also played a pivotal role in modernising Pakistan's navy. STM Defence Technologies, a leading Turkish firm, is not only involved in building new ships but also handling critical upgrades for Pakistan's Agosta 90B submarines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This follows a historical pattern: during the Cold War era, when US sanctions restricted Pakistan's access to American defence hardware, Turkey stepped in to provide refits for PNS Ghazi, reported The Indian Express. How Turkey supports Pakistan on Kashmir Beyond defence, the Turkey-Pakistan partnership thrives on diplomatic and ideological synergy . Under Erdogan, Turkey has consistently echoed Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir, particularly at global forums like the United Nations General Assembly. In February, Erdogan asserted, 'Turkey, as in the past, stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today.' India called these remarks 'unacceptable' and lodged an official protest. Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (L) shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during a welcoming ceremony in Ankara, September 17, 2013. File Image/Reuters Following India's strikes on nine terror camps under 'Operation Sindoor' in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack , Erdogan reiterated support for Islamabad during a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He praised Pakistan's 'calm and restrained policies' and endorsed its call for an investigation into the Pahalgam incident, a proposal that New Delhi dismissed outright. 'I pray for Allah's mercy for our brothers who lost their lives in the attacks, and I once again extend my condolences to the brotherly people and state of Pakistan," Erdogan has also said on X (Twitter) . The Turkey-Pakistan diplomatic embrace is further institutionalised through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Erdogan has visited Pakistan at least 10 times since 2003. In his most recent visit earlier this year , he co-chaired the seventh session of this bilateral body. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How India has responsed to growing Turkey-Pakistan ties India has not remained a passive observer. Recognising Turkey's growing involvement in the region through Pakistan, New Delhi has recalibrated its foreign policy. One key element of this is strengthening ties with countries that are either rivals or sceptics of Turkey. In the Eastern Mediterranean, India has developed robust ties with Greece and Cyprus. In 2021, India and Greece conducted their first joint naval exercises. India has also voiced strong support for the Republic of Cyprus against Turkish claims in Northern Cyprus. Greece, in return, has backed India's position on Kashmir. In the South Caucasus, India has emerged as Armenia's largest arms supplier by 2024 . Yerevan, which faces threats from Azerbaijan — Turkey's close ally — has turned to India for Pinaka rocket launchers, surveillance radars and anti-tank systems. These arms deals signify more than military support; they represent a counterweight to the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan axis. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which bypasses Turkey entirely, has drawn criticism from Ankara. In contrast, Turkey has promoted its rival - the 'Iraq Development Road' project. India's strategic partnerships with the UAE, Israel and France also serve to hedge against Turkish expansionism, particularly in defence and maritime security. How India has time and again aided Turkey The stark divergence in the India-Turkey relationship was highlighted during the 2023 earthquake that devastated parts of Turkey. India promptly launched 'Operation Dost,' dispatching relief teams, drones and aid supplies . Garuda Aerospace's drones were deployed to assist in rescue efforts, and Indian Air Force aircraft carried essential materials to affected regions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these gestures, Turkey's pro-Pakistan stance has remained unchanged. That India's humanitarian assistance to Turkey after the devastating earthquake of 2023 did not substantially affect Ankara's outlook towards New Delhi is testament to the strength of the Pakistan factor in India-Turkey relations, experts have said. Indian tourists represent one of the fastest-growing visitor segments to Turkey. In 2023, about 2.75 lakh Indians travelled to Turkey, and that number surged to 3.25 lakh in 2024. Direct flights operated by Indian carriers like Indigo have helped bolster this influx. Yet, economic interdependence has not translated into political rapprochement. Pakistani leadership has visited Turkey numerous times with the latest being Sharif holding talks with the Turkish president on April 22 in Ankara, coincidentally the same day of the Pahalgam terror attack . Turkey's support for Pakistan, once largely rhetorical, has taken a strategic and operational dimension that now directly impacts India's national security. Ankara has positioned itself as Islamabad's most reliable partner after Beijing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
