Turkey’s Strategic Realignment: Why It’s Supporting Pakistan Ahead of India
Turkey’s earlier cordial relationship with India has often suffered to be a result of its growing alignment with Pakistan in recent years. A combination of geopolitical, economic, and ideological factors has influenced this development and changed Turkey’s foreign policy priorities in South Asia.
1. Convergent Geopolitical and Ideological Interests of Pakistan and Turkey
Given that both Turkey and Pakistan are countries dominated by Muslims with a long history of collaboration dating back to the Ottoman Empire, they share historical, cultural, and religious features. Particularly under the direction of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, this has led to a sense of unity. In his speeches, Erdoğan usually promotes Muslim interests, and his government has not held back from voicing support for Pakistan in matters like Kashmir. In February 2025, for examples, Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s affiliation with “Kashmiri brothers,” a move that forced India to react diplomatically.
2. Strategic Military Cooperation
Over the past ten years, Pakistan and Turkey’s defense cooperation has grown greatly. Turkey now trades cutting-edge military hardware & technology with Pakistan, making it the country’s second-largest arms exporter in front of China. The shipping of Asisguard Songar drones, Kemankes cruise missiles, and Bayraktar drones are some of the most well-known agreements. By upgrading Agosta 90B submarines to mid-life and constructing MILGEM-class corvettes, Turkey is further contributing to Pakistan’s navy modernization.
This military cooperation is complemented by collaborative defense production and technology transfer; augmenting Pakistan’s military strength & advancing the two countries towards closer strategic cooperation.
3. Economic and Trade Relations
Economic relations between Turkey and Pakistan have intensified, with a view to increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion. They further signed a Preferential Trade Agreement in May 2023, lowering tariffs on many products. Additionally, Turkey has strengthened its economic relationship by investing in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
4. Counterbalance to India
Another way to see Turkey’s support for Pakistan is that it is a calculated move to counterbalance India’s growing regional power. By siding with Pakistan, Turkey challenges India’s regional hegemony and emerges has a major force in South Asia. Additionally, Pakistan and Turkey’s joint military drills and intelligence-sharing initiatives show this alignment.
5. Impact on India-Turkey Relations
The relationship with the countries of India and Turkey is developing, owing mainly to Turkey’s increasing support for Pakistan. Ankara’s position on the Kashmir Conflict and its military cooperation with Islamabad have raised serious concerns in New Delhi. In return, India has adopted diplomatic steps, including calling for Turkey to push Pakistan to stop its support to cross-border terrorism.
Furthermore, India’s domestic backlash against Turkey’s support for Pakistan has manifested in consumer-led boycotts of Turkish products and services in cities like Prayagraj, impacting trade and tourism.
6. Broader Geopolitical Considerations
Turkey’s larger geopolitical aims encourage its alliance with Pakistan. Turkey hopes to strengthen its role to be a Muslim global leader and counter Western criticism of topics like human rights and its role in Syria by siding with Pakistan. Turkey’s defense capabilities are being further strengthened by its alignment with Pakistan, which in turn grants it access to Chinese military equipment.