India’s diplomatic and commercial engagement with Turkey is under increasing scrutiny as Ankara deepens its defence and political alignment with Pakistan, particularly over the Kashmir issue. National security analysts and foreign policy commentators have voiced concerns over the strategic implications of this trilateral dynamic, especially in the wake of Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and its expanding military cooperation with Islamabad.
In February 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a state visit to Pakistan, reiterated his call for resolving the Kashmir dispute through dialogue, aligning with Pakistan’s position and referencing United Nations resolutions. This statement prompted a sharp rebuke from New Delhi, which lodged a formal protest with the Turkish ambassador, labelling Erdoğan’s remarks as “objectionable” and an interference in India’s internal affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and criticized Turkey for not addressing Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.
Turkey’s consistent advocacy for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue has been evident in various international forums. Erdoğan has raised the matter in multiple United Nations General Assembly speeches since 2019, although notably omitting it in his 2024 address, a move interpreted by some as an attempt to strengthen ties with India amid aspirations to join the BRICS grouping. Despite this, Turkey’s foundational support for Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir remains unchanged.
The defence collaboration between Turkey and Pakistan has intensified over the years, with significant military contracts and technology transfers. Notably, Turkey’s STM has been involved in modernizing Pakistan’s Agosta 90B submarines, and Turkish Aerospace Industries secured a deal to supply 30 T129 attack helicopters to Pakistan. Additionally, Turkey has provided drone technology to Pakistan, which has been utilized along the Line of Control, raising concerns about its potential use in surveillance and cross-border operations.
These developments have led Indian security experts to question the prudence of maintaining robust economic and diplomatic relations with Turkey. While trade between the two nations has been mutually beneficial, with bilateral trade volumes reaching significant figures, the strategic implications of Turkey’s military support to Pakistan cannot be overlooked. Analysts argue that continued engagement without addressing these concerns may inadvertently bolster Pakistan’s capabilities against Indian interests.
Turkey’s involvement in promoting Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir through international organizations and NGOs has been a point of contention. Collaborations between Turkish and Pakistani entities have aimed to internationalize the Kashmir issue, challenging India’s position on the matter. Such coordinated efforts underscore the strategic alignment between Ankara and Islamabad, raising alarms in New Delhi about the broader geopolitical ramifications.
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