A Strategic Rein on the Turkish Stallion

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Turkiye has consistently provoked India by backing Pakistan—militarily, diplomatically, and ideologically. From supporting Pakistan at international platforms to enabling its military ambitions, Turkiye has played an antagonistic role. It is time for a strategic containment of Turkiye—not just through boycotts but via a well-planned geopolitical response.

Context: Post-Pahalgam Tensions

Following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terrorist hideouts. During this tense period, Turkiye supported Pakistan diplomatically and morally. For several years now, Turkiye has echoed Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir on platforms like the United Nations. Turkiye's ambition to lead the Muslim world is no secret, and its endorsement of Pakistan’s extremism is part of that pursuit.

Historical Background

After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Turkiye emerged as a modern nation, geographically straddling Europe and Asia. Under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkiye remained secular. However, after WWII, it joined the Western bloc through NATO and the Baghdad Pact. Today, Turkiye has the second-largest army in NATO and boasts the most modern military among Muslim countries. It seeks to reclaim its Ottoman-era influence.

Turkiye tries to maintain a neutral stance in Middle Eastern power blocs—between the Saudi-led and Iran-led factions—and has attempted to build a strategic triangle with Pakistan and Malaysia, frequently targeting India through this alliance.

Turkiye’s Military Industrial Complex

Despite being a NATO member, Turkiye has faced Western sanctions, especially from the U.S., prompting it to bolster domestic arms manufacturing. As a result, its defense exports have surged.

Defense Statistics (2024)

Figures

Defense companies

3,000

Defense exports

$7.1 billion

Share of global arms exports

1.7%

Active military personnel (all forces)

355,200

 

Turkish Army

Paramilitary forces

156,800

Reserve forces

378,700

Equipment Type

Count

Tanks

2,378

Armored vehicles

6,403

Armored fighting vehicles

645

Attack helicopters

91

Artillery

2,762

Anti-aircraft guns

1,404

Navy

Naval Asset

Count

Submarines

12

Frigates

16

Other vessels

50

Air Force

Aerial Asset

Count

Fighter aircraft

294

Drones

58

Why Turkiye Supports Pakistan

Turkiye and Pakistan have shared friendly ties since the Cold War. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkiye has shifted from secularism toward Islamism, capitalizing on Ottoman nostalgia. Erdoğan has repeatedly raised the Kashmir issue and deepened defense ties with Pakistan.

Key Defense Collaborations:

  • 2018: Deal signed for four corvettes for Pakistan Navy—two built in Karachi with technology transfer.
  • T129 ATAK Helicopters: 30 ordered; deal halted due to U.S. export license denial.
  • Drones: Turkiye’s Bayraktar drones and Sommer drones reportedly supplied to Pakistan.
  • Missiles: Turkiye’s Kement cruise missiles are also being promoted.
  • Reports claim Pakistan launched 300–400 drones from 36 locations into India—many Turkish-made.

Trade Relations: India–Turkiye

Though Turkiye's actions have led to calls for boycotts, bilateral trade remains limited, and India’s exports to Turkiye exceed imports.

India–Turkiye Trade

2022

2023–24

2024–25

India’s exports to Turkiye

$9.6B

$6.65B

$5.2B

India’s imports from Turkiye

$4.2B

$3.78B

$2.84B

India's Exports to Turkiye: Petroleum products, electrical machinery, chemicals, auto parts, textiles, steel
India's Imports from Turkiye: Marble, apples, gold, vegetables, cement, chemicals, metals

Turkiye’s Overall Foreign Trade

Imports (2022)

Region/Country

Value (USD Billion)

Share (%)

Europe & Central Asia

188.867

51.93

China

41.355

11.37

USA

15.343

4.22

India

9.6

(approx. 2.64)

UK

5.904

1.62

Exports (2022)

Region/Country

Value (USD Billion)

Share (%)

Europe & Central Asia

149.555

58.84

USA

16.886

6.64

UK

13.005

5.12

India

4.2

(approx. 1.65)

China

3.281

1.29

Tourism: A Cultural and Economic Bridge

Turkiye ranks fourth globally in tourist preferences thanks to its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Year

Indian Tourists

Revenue from Indians (USD)

2023

274,000

$350–400 million

2024

330,100

$350–400 million

Year

Total Tourists

Total Tourism Revenue (USD Billion)

2023

49.2 million

54.3

2024

52.63 million

61.1

Conclusion

Turkiye’s calculated backing of Pakistan’s militant stance cannot be overlooked. However, since India’s engagement with Turkiye is relatively limited, it offers an opportunity to restrain Turkiye by applying broader geopolitical pressure. A well-crafted strategic plan is essential to curb Turkiye's growing influence while neutralizing Pakistan's aggression.

 


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