India and Turkey, two nations with deep historical roots and pivotal geopolitical standing, find their relationship at a complex juncture. While centuries of cultural exchange and shared interests have historically fostered cooperation, recent shifts in global dynamics, particularly Turkey’s deepening alignment with Pakistan, have introduced significant challenges to bilateral ties
The historical relationship between India and Turkey dates back centuries, characterised by cultural exchanges and shared experiences. During the Khilafat Movement in the early 20th century, Indian Muslims expressed solidarity with the Ottoman Caliphate, reflecting a sense of pan-Islamic unity. However, this connection was more symbolic than strategic, and substantial bilateral ties remained limited.
In the post-World War II era, Turkey became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), aligning itself with the Western bloc during the Cold War. India, on the other hand, adopted a non-aligned stance, seeking to maintain strategic autonomy. This divergence in foreign policy orientations limited the scope of India-Turkey relations during this period.
Turkey-Pakistan Relations and Implications for India
A significant factor influencing India-Turkey relations has been Turkey’s close ties with Pakistan. During the Cold War, Turkey and Pakistan, along with Iran, formed the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) in 1964, aiming to foster economic collaboration among the three nations. Although the RCD became defunct following the Iranian Revolution, it was later revived as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 1985, excluding Iran initially.
Currently, it is being said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to hold high-level talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Sunday, according to a statement by Erdogan’s communications team. The leaders will discuss bilateral relations, regional security, and the fight against terrorism.
Unequivocally Turkey has supported Pakistan by often backing the latter to contentious issues such as Kashmir. At international forums, including the United Nations, Turkey has voiced support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, framing it within the context of Muslim solidarity. Such positions have been perceived by India as interference in its internal affairs and have contributed to diplomatic strains.
Therefore, here we undermine the relations of Turkey and Pakistan. This is not about religious affinity alone. What does Pakistan bring to Turkey? Pakistan brings extraordinary geopolitical value. It has a long border with Afghanistan as well as with Iran and very short border with Central Asia and China.
But Turkey also has extraordinary interest in Afghanistan. Thus, a formidable alliance in the space that is important to India’s strategic interest. So yes, that there is not much Islamism and much more a strategic perspective that is impelling Turkey in terms of its ties with Pakistan.
Erdogan’s Foreign Policy and Regional Ambitions
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has pursued an assertive foreign policy aimed at expanding its influence in West Asia and South Asia. Initially promoting itself as a model of democracy and secularism in the Islamic world, Turkey’s approach shifted following the Arab Spring. Emphasizing its Ottoman heritage and Islamic identity, Turkey began to assert itself more prominently in regional affairs.
This shift included increased engagement with Pakistan and a more vocal stance on issues affecting the Muslim world, including Kashmir. Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan on such matters has been viewed by India as a challenge to its sovereignty and regional interests.
The relationship between India and Turkey has faced further challenges in the wake of recent conflicts involving Pakistan. Reports have suggested that Turkey provided support to Pakistan during these conflicts, including the supply of drones and military operatives. Such actions have been perceived by India as direct involvement in its regional disputes, exacerbating tensions.
In response, India has taken several measures to express its disapproval and safeguard its national interests. These include postponing diplomatic engagements, revoking security clearances for Turkish companies operating in India, and initiating economic boycotts targeting Turkish products and services. Public sentiment in India has also turned against Turkey, with calls for boycotts and reduced engagement.
The evolving dynamics of India-Turkey relations underscore the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. While historical ties and mutual interests provide a foundation for cooperation, divergent foreign policy objectives and alignments pose significant challenges. India’s strategic response to Turkey’s actions reflects a broader emphasis on safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability.
Moving forward, both nations will need to navigate these challenges with diplomatic finesse. Engagement through multilateral forums, confidence-building measures, and a mutual respect for each other’s core interests could pave the way for a more stable and constructive relationship. Recognizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation, India and Turkey could recalibrate their relations in a manner that serves their respective national interests and contributes to regional peace and stability. Scholars have also pointed out that it is diplomacy and diplomacy alone that re-engaged India with the countries of the Gulf in this benign environment that we have today. If we had continued sulking and condemning these as pro-Pakistan based on religious affinity, we would have gone nowhere.
India-Turkey relations, shaped by historical connections and contemporary geopolitical shifts, stand at a crossroads. While recent developments have introduced significant challenges, a commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and strategic engagement can help both nations navigate the complexities of their relationship. By addressing core concerns and exploring avenues for cooperation, India and Turkey can work towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership.
