GROWING TURKISH PROXIMITY WITH PAK & B'DESH - INDIA'S CONCERNS

India-Turkey relations have been friendly and cordial since ancient times. The two countries share similar culture and civilisation.

- Col Rajesh Bhukar

Though in the cold war period, Turkey was a member of Western military blocs, India followed a policy of nonalignment. Despite signing Treaty of Friendship in 1950, Turkey's consistent support of Pakistan on Kashmir and differing perceptions on Cyprus has been major hindrance in otherwise cordial relations.

The two countries saw a significant drift in mutual relations, once Mr. Erdogan came to power in 2002. He is a staunch Muslim politician who wishes to see Turkey more Islamic, and finds Pakistan a natural ally and thus beginning of a drift in Indo - Turkish relations. Despite India's assistance to Turkey at various times, as in COVID-19 crisis or in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake, Turkey has not reciprocated India's goodwill gesture. One of the main grounds of contention is Turkey's backing of Pakistan regarding Kashmir, as demonstrated by their condemnation of repealing of the Article 370. As of 2025, India maintains a trade surplus with Turkey but Turkish exports to India have declined by over 17% due to recent diplomatic tensions.