India Weighs Ties With Greece as Turkey Backs Pakistan

As Turkey strengthens military ties with Pakistan, calls grow in India to suspend flights and pivot toward Greece. Tensions rise as geopolitical loyalties shift post-Pahalgam attack.

India Reconsiders Turkey Ties Amid Outrage Over Military Support to Pakistan

Tensions between India and Turkey have reached a boiling point after reports emerged that six Turkish military aircraft delivered cargo to Pakistan shortly after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. As the Indian public and strategic community reel from the loss of 26 civilians, a growing chorus of voices is demanding concrete diplomatic and economic consequences.

Turkish Military Flights Spark a Backlash in India

The turning point came when Turkish C-130 Hercules transport planes allegedly touched down in Pakistan, reportedly carrying military equipment. While Ankara has not officially commented on the contents or purpose of the cargo, the timing couldn’t have been worse from New Delhi’s perspective. The deliveries occurred just as India was mourning the brutal loss of civilian lives in a terrorist strike—an attack widely attributed to Pakistan-backed groups.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal responded with a stern recommendation: suspend all flights between India and Turkey. “We can consider suspending our flights to Turkey and Turkish flights to India for the time being,” he posted, capturing the prevailing mood in India’s strategic circles.

Why Is India Still Using Istanbul as a Gateway?

Veteran journalist Vikram Chandra went a step further, questioning the logic of Indian travelers choosing Istanbul as a major transit hub to Europe. “Along with China, Turkey has always stood firmly with Pakistan. Why do Indians still travel via Istanbul?” he asked. His call echoed a growing sentiment online to reevaluate not just government ties but also people-to-people interactions.

Chandra’s suggestion to strengthen ties with Turkey’s regional rival, Greece, has gained traction. Despite Greece’s shared democratic values and geographic proximity to major European destinations, direct flights between India and Athens remain non-existent—a stark contrast to the robust air connectivity with Istanbul.

A Strategic Realignment or Emotional Outcry?

Security analyst Sushant Sareen warned that India was at risk of repeating historical missteps. “Our enemies are becoming clearer—China, Turkey, Azerbaijan. Yet we keep rewarding them with deals,” he remarked, calling out what he sees as a lack of strategic discipline in Indian foreign policy. He credited Israel as one of the few consistent allies, while expressing frustration over perceived diplomatic naivety.

Others have revived the hashtag-driven call to boycott Turkish tourism and airlines. Social media influencer Pawan Durani voiced outrage that Indians continue to vacation in Turkey, despite what he described as Ankara’s military collusion with Islamabad. He also reminded readers of India’s humanitarian gesture—“Operation Dost”—when it became the first country to send rescue teams to Turkey after the 2023 earthquake.

“Snakes,” he wrote bitterly, expressing the sense of betrayal felt by many.

Expert Voices Warn of a Shifting Landscape

Geopolitical analyst and author Dr. Swasti Rao underlined that India must not ignore Turkey’s expanding role in South Asia’s military dynamics. “Turkey has been arming Pakistan and even building links with Bangladesh. We can’t just focus on China,” she warned. Rao’s insights reflect a broader recalibration of India’s strategic threat perception in the region.

Adding fuel to the fire, China has publicly backed Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident, calling for a “fair investigation” and reiterating its support for Pakistan’s “sovereignty and security.” Such statements, though carefully worded, underline the deeper alignments forming across Asia.

Where Does India Go From Here?

The rising discontent has sparked urgent debate about the path forward. Should India impose flight bans or curb trade with Turkey? Should the government actively forge stronger alliances with countries like Greece, Israel, or even Egypt to counterbalance Turkey’s influence? While officials have yet to confirm any immediate policy shifts, the public appetite for decisive action is unmistakable.

From think tanks to Twitter, voices are calling for a “principled realignment”—a pivot away from sentiment-driven diplomacy to a more pragmatic, consequence-oriented foreign policy.

Conclusion: Time for a Strategic Reset?

India’s geopolitical map is rapidly evolving, and the recent developments involving Turkey and Pakistan have underscored the need for sharper, more responsive foreign policy tools. Whether it’s suspending flights, reevaluating alliances, or diversifying trade routes, the message is clear: loyalty in international relations must be earned and reciprocated.

India now faces a defining moment. Will it continue to extend goodwill to nations that align with its adversaries—or will it draw firmer lines in defense of its sovereignty and security?

Disclaimer:
This article reflects public commentary, expert opinions, and reported events. The views expressed by individuals mentioned do not represent the official stance of any government. Information is accurate as of the time of publication and may evolve based on new developments.