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First Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Sharif plans visits to Turkey, Azerbaijan over support during India's Op Sindoor
According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister during the visit would have 'wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of these countries on the entire range of issues covering bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance' read more (File) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharid and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a bilateral meeting in Ankara, Turkey on April 22, 2025. Image courtesy Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will begin his visit to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran and Tajikistan from May 25 to express his gratitude for being Islamabad's 'friends' and standing by its side following India's Operation Sindoor and the subsequent military conflict. According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister during the visit would have 'wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of these countries on the entire range of issues covering bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'He will also have the opportunity to express the deepest appreciation and acknowledgement for the support extended to Pakistan by the friendly countries during the recent crisis with India,' the Foreign Office said. Refresh for updates.
First Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
As Turkey & Azerbaijan support Pakistan, bookings fall 60%, cancellations surge 250%, says Make My Trip
Amid backlash at Turkey and Azerbaijan for their support of Pakistan in the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, bookings for these countries have fallen by 60% and cancellations have surged by 250%, according to Make My Trip 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 Indians have been punishing Turkey and Azerbaijan for their support of Pakistan in the ongoing tensions in their own way. Bookings for Turkey and Turkey have fallen by 60 per cent and cancellations have surged by 250 per cent in recent days, according to a spokesperson of Make My Trip. Since the Pahalgam attack and resultant Operation Sindoor by India, Turkey and Azerbaijan have emerged as the most vocal supporters of Pakistan. Turkey's support goes way beyond statements. The country has provided Pakistan with armed drones that it has used to attack India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a result, a movement has taken shape in India for the boycott of the countries. People and companies have joined hands. While companies have suspended bookings for these countries, people have made calls to not buy these countries' products. Make My Trip joins travel companies in stand on Turkey, Azerbaijan Make My Trip has become the latest company to take a stand on Turkey and Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan amid ongoing tensions. In a statement, a company spokesperson said that Make My Trip has discontinued all promotions and offers for Turkey and Azerbaijan to discourage people from travelling to these countries. 'In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We have already discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations,' said the spokesperson. Other companies that have taken a stand against Turkey and Azerbaijan are: EaseMyTrip has suspended all bookings for Turkey. Cox & Kings has suspended all bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan Travomint has suspended of all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan. ixigo has suspended bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan. Goa Villas has ended the partnership with Turkish Airlines. Cleartrip has suspended all bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Tourism is a major source of revenue for these two countries and Indians have emerged as an important customer segment — particularly for Azerbaijan. Estimates suggest that tourism contributes to around 28 per cent of Azerbaijan's GDP and Indians make up around 10 per cent of all those tourists. Indians are the fourth-largest source of tourists for the country. ALSO READ: Why and how is Turkey doubling down on its support for Pakistan In Turkey, tourism and hospitality sectors contribute around $140 billion to the economy and Indian tourists are among the fastest-growing segments. In recent years, the country had become particularly popular among Indians for destination weddings and corporate meetings, conferences, retreats, and exhibitions. Last year, Indian tourists to the country grew by around 20 per cent year-on-year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Calls for boycott have also been expanded to products imported from these countries, such as Turkish apples. India is the largest importer of Turkish apples and imported apples worth around $92 billion last year.
First Post
14-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
7 factors that forced India to crack down on Turkey's TRT
India has cracked down on Turkish state broadcaster TRT and withheld its X account for spreading Pakistani propaganda and misinformation amid rising tensions, following the emergence of a 'Boycott Turkey' campaign. 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 India has taken a tough stance against Turkish state broadcaster TRT for its biased and propagandist reporting on India-Pakistan tensions and India's Operation Sindoor against terror hubs on Pakistani soil. This comes after reports that the media house was spreading misinformation and acting as a mouthpiece for Pakistani propaganda. The central government has withheld TRT's X account and other digital platforms. Users attempting to access these accounts are now met with a notice stating, 'Account withheld. @trtworld has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are seven key reasons behind India's crackdown on TRT: Pro-Pakistan and anti-India narratives on Kashmir TRT has consistently engaged in biased reporting by distorting facts. The Turkish state media portrayed India as an occupier in Kashmir, amplifying alleged human rights abuses and giving a platform to Kashmiri separatist voices. Campaigns like 'Kashmir Under Siege' depicted the region as under illegal Indian military control, closely mirroring Pakistan's propaganda. Part of a broader foreign influence network India's cyber-intelligence has flagged TRT as an extension of Turkish foreign policy under President Erdoğan, working in coordination with Pakistan's ISPR. Messaging patterns, including bot-driven amplification, have mirrored Pakistani information operations aimed at India. Echoing Chinese and Pakistani propaganda TRT has often echoed Chinese and Pakistani positions on sensitive issues such as Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and India's border disputes. It has also justified Pakistan's nuclear rhetoric and Islamabad-backed cross-border terrorism by framing them as 'freedom struggles'. Framing India as Islamophobic TRT has repeatedly portrayed India as anti-Muslim, focusing on issues like the CAA, NRC, and the Hijab controversy. By distorting facts and using isolated incidents, TRT attempts to project these as systemic, state-sponsored oppression, fuelling communal tensions. Threat to national security and social harmony The Indian government views TRT's content as a deliberate attempt to destabilise internal order, especially in sensitive areas like Kashmir. Such content is seen as inciting unrest among vulnerable and radicalised groups, posing a serious threat to national security. Amplification of disinformation and fake news TRT has been accused of spreading unverified and manipulated content, particularly during times of unrest. During the 2020 Delhi riots, TRT-affiliated posts circulated misleading claims about state-sponsored violence against Muslims, further inflaming tensions. Violation of Indian IT Rules, 2021 India's Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) flagged TRT for multiple violations, including non-compliance with content moderation norms, failure to appoint grievance officers, and repeated dissemination of anti-India propaganda. The crackdown is also seen as a response to Turkey's continued interference in India's internal affairs, especially through platforms like the UNGA and OIC. India blacks Chinese state mouthpieces Earlier the same day, the Centre also blocked the X accounts of China's state-run media, Global Times and Xinhua, for spreading unverified and misleading information about the Indian military amid rising tensions with Pakistan. This comes as evidence surfaced that Turkey had supplied Pakistan with drones and military equipment. Two Turkish military operatives were killed in Operation Sindoor, exposing Turkey's direct support to Pakistan in its conflict with India by providing not just over 350 drones but also trained operators, sources told India Today TV. 'Boycott Turkey' campaign A 'Boycott Turkey' campaign currently circulating on social media could further damage Ankara's already struggling economy, especially in sectors like defence, tourism, trade, and investment. This comes as Turkey openly backs Pakistan's terror activities as a tool of its foreign policy against India. Since the India-Pakistan conflict began on 7 May following the Pahalgam terror attack, Turkey has faced sharp criticism for allegedly supplying arms to Pakistan and supporting its fight against India.
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
