India’s Strategic Pushback Against Turkey Gains Momentum
India counters Turkey’s support for Pakistan with calculated diplomacy, defense exports, and regional alliances.
India’s Strategic Pushback: How New Alliances Counter Turkey’s Anti-India Moves
As tensions simmer between India and Turkey, what initially appeared to be a tourism boycott by Indian travelers is now revealing itself as part of a deeper, multi-faceted response. This response, shaped by diplomatic calculation and regional realignment, is aimed at curbing Ankara’s growing tilt toward Pakistan—particularly during periods of heightened conflict.
The trigger for this latest diplomatic chill? Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military response to cross-border aggression. From supplying drones used in attacks on Indian territory to deploying a warship to Karachi and flying in military aid, Turkey’s actions were seen by New Delhi as a clear betrayal.
India swiftly responded by blocking the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT World, citing the spread of misinformation. But this was merely the public face of a far more strategic counter-offensive.
Beyond Tourism: India’s Long-Term Diplomatic Retaliation
While social media was ablaze with calls to boycott Turkish tourism and products, India was already laying the groundwork for a more enduring response. Long before Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration had begun recalibrating India’s foreign policy to systematically engage with countries that have historically been at odds with Turkey.
A prime example is India’s strengthening ties with Greece, a country frequently at loggerheads with Turkey over maritime and airspace disputes. In 2023, Indian and Greek air forces conducted joint military exercises in the Mediterranean—a clear signal of mutual interest in strategic collaboration. India has also initiated talks on naval partnerships, aiming to enhance its footprint in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region central to Turkey’s regional ambitions.
Armenia Emerges as a Strategic Ally
In a bold pivot, India has also deepened its engagement with Armenia, a nation long locked in conflict with Turkey-backed Azerbaijan. India’s recent defense exports to Armenia—including PINAKA rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, and radar technologies—mark the beginning of a significant security partnership in the South Caucasus.
For Armenia, India’s involvement offers a counterbalance to Turkish influence in the region. For India, it’s a pointed message: if Turkey arms Pakistan, India will arm Turkey’s adversaries.
Capitalizing on Turkey’s Gulf Isolation
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ambition to lead the Muslim world has alienated traditional powerhouses in the Middle East, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE. His support for the Muslim Brotherhood, criticism of the Abraham Accords, and military interventions in Syria and Libya have widened Ankara’s diplomatic rift in the Gulf.
India has seized this opportunity to bolster economic and strategic relations with Gulf nations. Through partnerships like the India-France-UAE trilateral and broader defense cooperation, India is aligning with Gulf states seeking regional stability, trade diversification, and technological collaboration—areas where Turkey is increasingly isolated.
A Broader Foreign Policy Doctrine in Action
What we’re witnessing is not a knee-jerk reaction, but the evolution of a pragmatic, multi-aligned Indian foreign policy. Under Modi, India has shown an increasing readiness to take bold positions when national interests are at stake.
New Delhi is no longer content to issue diplomatic protests or symbolic gestures. Instead, it’s using strategic partnerships, military exports, and regional alliances to neutralize hostile rhetoric and foreign interference, particularly regarding Kashmir.
Erdogan’s persistent mentions of Kashmir at international platforms, including the UN General Assembly, have earned rebukes from India. But rather than get bogged down in rhetorical spats, India is choosing leverage over lament.
Conclusion: Turkey’s Miscalculation, India’s Strategic Edge
Turkey’s attempt to corner India on the global stage has largely backfired. While Erdogan may continue to champion Pakistan and raise Kashmir in international forums, India’s measured, strategic response has blunted Turkey’s influence.
By reinforcing ties with Turkey’s regional adversaries and aligning with global powers in Europe and the Gulf, India has created a buffer zone of support that not only isolates Ankara diplomatically but underscores India’s rising clout in global affairs.
As this recalibrated diplomacy unfolds, one lesson becomes clear: in today’s geopolitical landscape, the most effective counterstrikes are often not on the battlefield, but at the negotiation table and in export agreements.
Disclaimer:
This article reflects publicly reported geopolitical developments and strategic responses. It is intended for informational and analytical purposes and does not reflect any endorsement or political stance.
source : The Economic Times