Turkey has called on India to stop viewing bilateral ties through the lens of its relationship with Pakistan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan argued that Ankara's friendship with Islamabad should not come at the cost of its ties with New Delhi. However, Delhi remains skeptical of Turkey's sudden call for strategic balance.
Why India Distrusts Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's repeated comments on Kashmir, Turkey's activism at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and its growing defence partnership with Pakistan have eroded trust. Ankara's role during Operation Sindoor further deepened the divide. The trust deficit will be hard to bridge.
India's Geopolitical Leverage
Behind the scenes, a bigger geopolitical story is unfolding. India has been deepening defence ties with Cyprus and Armenia, two nations strategically located in Turkey's backyard. Armenia has become one of the largest buyers of Indian weapons, while Cyprus has strengthened defence cooperation with New Delhi. These developments have drawn attention in Ankara, as India finds leverage to counter Turkish influence.
Implications for Regional Dynamics
India's strategic moves in the Eastern Mediterranean and South Caucasus signal a shift in power dynamics. By partnering with Cyprus and Armenia, New Delhi is not only diversifying its defence exports but also creating pressure points on Turkey. This could force Ankara to reconsider its stance on India and recalibrate its foreign policy.
