After the Pahalgam terror attack and during India’s Operation Sindoor, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan again expressed strong support for Pakistan, labeling it a “brotherly nation” and committing to stand with it through “good and bad times.” His statement was even made as Indian citizens demanded a pan-India boycott of Turkey for its backing of Islamabad, particularly in the wake of claims that Turkish drones were supplied to Pakistan and employed against Indian civilians and military targets. Even though India has always been playing a positive role in stimulating Turkey’s economy through diplomacy, investment and trade. This action not only erodes the goodwill of India but also leads to significant doubts about the Ankara government’s enthusiasm for sincere and balanced diplomacy within.
India and Turkey Relationship:
The relations between Turkey and India established in 1948, the relation is strained as Turkey backs Pakistan. The ongoing conflicts among the nations complicate matters further. Still, India and Turkey have maintained healthy economic cooperation, as evidenced by their combined trade having reached a total of $7.8 billion in 2019, and sustaining diplomatic ties.
India’s Role in Boosting Turkey’s Economy: Investments, Trade, and Growth:
India contributed significantly to the economic growth of Turkey including Foreign Domestic Investments (FDI). Over 150 Indian companies have established Indian owned and Indian controlled entities, trade and representative offices in Turkey. Some of the major names include Polyplex, GMR Infrastructure, TATA Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance, Ispat, Aditya Birla Group, Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd, Jain Irrigation, Wipro, Sequent Scientific, and Dabur.
As of the fiscal year 2023-24, total trade between India and Turkey was 10.43billion, 6.65 billion accounting for Indian exports and 3.78 billion importing from Turkey. Moreover, Indian businesses have made direct investments valuing $200 million in Turkey from August 2000 to March 2024. These types of Trade and Investments showcase India’s strong influence on the economic development of Turkey.
India’s Swift Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-Hit Turkey: Operation Dost
In February 2023, India launched Operation Dost to help earthquake-hit Turkey, becoming one of the first countries to respond. Relief supplies worth ₹7 crore were sent by India, including medical personnel, dog squads, NDRF teams, and advanced equipment. The Indian Air Force sent out seven C-17 planes with sophisticated search equipment, a field hospital and rescue drones. India’s prompt and generous assistance was praised by Turkey as a genuine act of friendship.
Turkey and Pakistan historical ties:
During the Ottoman Empire, Pakistan supported the Turkish War of Independence (19 May 1919 – 24 July 1923), the two countries have a long and close-knit relationship that is based on shared religious, cultural, and political beliefs. This alliance has evolved into a strategic relationship over the years, marked by close cooperation in trade, defence, and diplomacy. Turkey has always supported Pakistan on key global matters, Kashmir issues, and their alliance has survived despite political changes. This close and long-standing relationship is still cemented by respect for each other and a shared Islamic identity.
Pakistan and Turkey enhanced diplomatic ties in the beginning of 2024 and coordinated in military affairs, economic relations, and on international issues. Major milestones include pilot training initiatives, a prospective trilateral partnership with Azerbaijan, initiatives aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion, and plans for dual citizenship. There is also mutual support concerning the Kashmir issue and Islamophobia which shows the deepening of their strategic partnership.
Pakistan -Turkey Strategic Economic Framework:
Economic ties exist between Pakistan and Turkey; trade currently stands at $850 million, with a target of $1 billion by next three years. In August 2022, Pakistan and Turkey signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), granting each other tariff concessions on 261 and 130 product lines respectively, Turkey provides machinery and chemicals, invests in infrastructure while Pakistan exports textiles, leather, and rice and Pakistanis purchase Turkish real estate. In 2024, more than 135,000 visitors from Pakistan travelled to Turkey, with Turkish Airlines being their preferred airline.
Even though India supported humanitarian aid and the first responder to Turkey during their time of crisis. But Turkey has repeatedly backed Pakistan. This raises doubts on the Turkey nature of their bilateral relationship as trust erodes, the future of India-Turkey ties appears increasingly uncertain.
