Turkey Sides with Pakistan After India’s Airstrikes
After India’s precision strikes in response to the Pahalgam attack, Turkey voiced strong support for Pakistan, citing regional sovereignty concerns.
Turkey Aligns with Pakistan Following India’s Retaliatory Strikes
In the tense aftermath of India’s calculated airstrikes across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Turkey swiftly positioned itself as a vocal ally of Pakistan. The strikes—India’s direct response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of security personnel—targeted nine terror hubs believed to be involved in the planning and execution of the assault. While India framed its actions as a defensive counterterrorism measure, Turkey described them as an “unprovoked violation” of Pakistani sovereignty.
Ankara Reaffirms Its Strategic Partnership with Islamabad
Just hours after the strikes, Turkey’s ambassador to Pakistan met with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to express full solidarity. In a statement that raised eyebrows in New Delhi, the Turkish envoy condemned what he labeled as a breach of Pakistan’s territorial integrity. “The two sides discussed regional security concerns in depth and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination and cooperation,” read an official post by Pakistan’s foreign ministry on X.
This expression of support underscores the historically close ties between Turkey and Pakistan—relationships rooted in shared diplomatic, military, and religious alignments. Over the past decade, Ankara has consistently sided with Islamabad on key geopolitical issues, especially those involving India.
Turkey’s Nuanced Stance on Terrorism
Interestingly, Turkey did not waver in calling the Pahalgam incident a “terrorist attack”—a term that signals recognition of the loss India suffered. However, despite this acknowledgment, Turkey refrained from condemning the groups behind the attack or supporting India’s right to retaliate. The omission of any reference to Jammu and Kashmir as a “disputed territory” also marked a shift from past Turkish statements, reflecting a more cautious diplomatic posture.
According to Dr. Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, “Turkey’s response is calibrated to maintain its alliance with Pakistan without fully alienating India. It wants to appear strong on sovereignty while not dismissing terrorism concerns entirely.”
India’s Strikes: Tactical or Symbolic?
India’s airstrikes, reportedly executed with precision at nine known terror training sites, sent a strong message: attacks on Indian soil will meet swift and forceful responses. Although casualty figures and damage reports remain unverified, the strikes were widely seen as a show of strength both domestically and internationally.
Defense analyst Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) noted, “This was about deterrence and restoring public confidence. India cannot afford to let cross-border terrorism go unanswered, especially when linked to state-backed actors.”
Despite India’s assertive stance, the international community has largely remained measured, with calls for de-escalation from key players like the U.S., the U.K., and the U.N. Security Council.
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
Turkey’s vocal support of Pakistan could complicate efforts to reduce tensions in South Asia. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed neighbors with a long history of conflict, particularly over Kashmir. Adding another regional player into the fray—one that’s been actively expanding its geopolitical footprint—risks adding layers to an already volatile equation.
Furthermore, Turkey’s posture may influence how other Muslim-majority countries respond to South Asian conflicts in the future. In recent years, Ankara has attempted to carve out a more assertive leadership role within the Islamic world, often framing its foreign policy as a counterbalance to Western influence.
Conclusion: A Diplomatic Chessboard in Motion
Turkey’s swift backing of Pakistan following India’s retaliatory strikes illustrates the deep fault lines that define South Asian geopolitics. While India frames its actions as necessary self-defense, Turkey’s statements highlight the growing complexity of international alliances and regional rivalries.
As India continues to counter terrorism with a more aggressive foreign policy, its neighbors—and their allies—are recalibrating their diplomatic strategies. Whether this will lead to greater isolation, increased polarization, or a push for multilateral dialogue remains to be seen. For now, the region watches and waits as yet another chapter unfolds in the enduring India-Pakistan saga.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and journalistic purposes. It does not represent any political stance or endorsement. The content is based on publicly available reports and expert commentary as of the time of writing.
source : Moneycontrol