Sat May 03 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Ties with Turkey Under Fire Amidst Growing Security Concerns

**New Delhi, [Date of Publication]** – India’s continued engagement with Turkey is facing intense scrutiny from national security experts and commentators, fueled by Turkey’s deepening defense cooperation with Pakistan and its consistent support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. The criticism intensified following a report highlighting Turkish Airlines’ significant gains from its codeshare agreement with IndiGo, India’s largest airline.

The Economic Times report revealed that Turkish Airlines enjoys a disproportionate advantage from the joint flights to over 30 European and US destinations. This has prompted strong reactions, with Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, stating, “India rewards its enemies and treats its friends shabbily.” He echoed sentiments shared by Rajeev Mantri, founder and managing director of Navam Capital, who criticized the government’s prioritization of economic diplomacy over national security, particularly in light of Turkey’s sale of Bayraktar drones to Pakistan.

The recent delivery of defense cargo to Pakistan by six Turkish military transport aircraft further escalated tensions, coming shortly after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Turkey’s supply of drones to Pakistan and collaboration on the KAAN fighter jet, coupled with President Erdogan’s reiteration of support for Pakistan’s Kashmir position during a February 2025 visit, have fueled calls for a reassessment of India-Turkey relations.

Several prominent figures have advocated for stronger action. Vikram Chandra, journalist and Editorji founder, questioned the continued use of Istanbul as a European transit point by Indian travelers, suggesting a shift towards Greece instead. Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal even proposed suspending flights between the two countries.

The debate underscores the complex balancing act India faces between economic interests and national security concerns, particularly in its relations with Turkey, a country increasingly aligned with its geopolitical rival, Pakistan.

Read More