Pakistan-Turkey Nexus

India thwarted a large-scale drone assault by Pakistan along its western front. Over 300 drones targeted both civilian and military sites. Investigations revealed these were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones, deepening concerns about the growing Pakistan–Turkey defence partnership.

Why are Pakistan and Turkey so close?

• Both countries have a long history of solidarity based on Islamic identity, dating back to the Cold War era, when they were part of Western-sponsored alliances like CENTO (Central Treaty Organization).
• Turkey and Pakistan were also founding members of RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development), highlighting an early intent to foster close regional cooperation.
• Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, vocally opposing India’s revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and reiterating that stance even during major bilateral visits, such as Erdogan’s trip to Pakistan in 2025.
• Military and Defence Ties: Turkey is now Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier, after China. In recent years, Turkish military exports to Pakistan have included:
  • Bayraktar TB2 drones
  • Kemankes cruise missiles
  • Asisguard Songar drones
• A USD 1 billion deal for four Turkish corvettes (Ada-class) for Pakistan Navy.
• Turkish firms are modernising Pakistan’s Agosta 90B submarines, bypassing original French suppliers, showing high levels of trust and strategic depth in military collaboration.

Turkey’s Larger Ambitions (What's in it for Ankara?)

• Regional Leadership in the Muslim World: Turkey sees itself as a leader of the Islamic world, challenging the Gulf states—particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE—who have traditionally held this position.
• Strategic Footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Turkey has strengthened its military presence in East Africa (Somalia) and is deepening ties with Maldives through drone sales. Close collaboration with Pakistan — whose navy is among the largest in the IOR — gives Turkey indirect access to a region of growing global importance.
• Economic and Defence Industry Growth: Turkey is diversifying its defence export markets, and Pakistan serves as a reliable buyer. This helps Turkey promote indigenous defence firms like STM, Baykar, and Asisguard, reducing reliance on NATO countries.

How has India responded?

India has not remained passive. While it has lodged formal protests against Turkish interference in Kashmir, its response has been strategically multi-layered, aiming to counterbalance the Pak-Turkey axis through geopolitical, defence, and diplomatic initiatives:

• Strengthening Ties with Turkey’s Regional Rivals
  • Greece and Cyprus: India has long supported Cyprus and its territorial integrity, opposing Turkish claims over Northern Cyprus. Greece has reciprocated by backing India’s Kashmir stance.
  • Armenia: India has emerged as Armenia’s largest arms supplier in 2024, surpassing Russia. Armenia is in a long-standing conflict with Turkey-backed Azerbaijan, which is also allied with Pakistan.
• Enhanced Presence in the Middle East: Despite the traditional Pakistan-Gulf link, India now enjoys strong economic and security partnerships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Strategic Projects that Bypass Turkey: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched at the G20 summit in 2023, excludes Turkey, which has historically seen itself as a key land bridge between Asia and Europe.

Why does the Pakistan–Turkey nexus matter for India?

• Security Threat: Turkey’s drone exports and naval cooperation with Pakistan pose direct threats to Indian borders and maritime interests.
• Diplomatic Headwinds: Turkey amplifies Pakistan’s voice on Kashmir at global platforms, such as the UN and OIC.
• Regional Competition: As Turkey expands its presence in the IOR and Central Asia, India must recalibrate its own regional influence strategies.
• Challenging Multilateral Balances: The Pak-Turkey-Azerbaijan bloc is increasingly visible in Islamic geopolitics, pushing against India's alignment with Israel, Armenia, Greece, and moderate Arab states.