India-Turkey Relations – From Strategic Estrangement to Pragmatic Re-engagement

India-Turkey Relations Latest News

• India and Turkey are cautiously rebuilding bilateral ties after a prolonged period of diplomatic strain, largely driven by Ankara’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and defence cooperation with Islamabad. 
• Following the deterioration of relations after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in 2025, recent diplomatic engagements indicate a gradual thaw based on shared economic and strategic interests.

Evolution of India-Turkey Relations

• Relations witnessed significant growth after the rise of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2002. 
• High-level visits, cultural exchanges, and business cooperation expanded steadily, with bilateral trade rising from about $700 million in 2002 to nearly $13.8 billion in 2022.
• However, ties began deteriorating after Turkey repeatedly criticised India’s decisions regarding Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. 
• Ankara’s consistent endorsement of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir deepened India’s strategic distrust.

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Major Causes of Diplomatic Tensions

• Kashmir and Pakistan factor:
  • Turkey emerged as one of Pakistan’s strongest supporters on Kashmir in international forums. 
  • The relationship reached a low point when Erdogan reiterated support for Pakistan’s stance during his 2025 visit to Islamabad.
  • Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians, Turkey criticised India’s military response, Operation Sindoor, and described it as “unprovoked aggression“. This further aggravated bilateral tensions.
• Defence cooperation with Pakistan:
  • Reports that Pakistan employed Turkish-origin drones during Operation Sindoor intensified Indian concerns. 
  • Ankara’s defence exports and military cooperation with Pakistan were viewed in New Delhi as indirectly strengthening a country accused of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Diplomatic and Economic Fallout

• Political signals:
  • India adopted several diplomatic measures to express its displeasure.
  • Absence from Turkish National Day celebrations in New Delhi.
  • Increased political outreach to Greece and Cyprus (including the Indian PM’s visit to Nicosia).
• Economic consequences: The diplomatic crisis also produced economic repercussions. For example,
  • Air India cancelled a major aircraft maintenance contract with a Turkish company.
  • Indian universities suspended academic MoUs with Turkish institutions.
  • Indian tourist arrivals to Turkey reportedly fell by nearly 37%.
  • Security clearance of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services India was revoked on national security grounds.
  • Bilateral trade experienced a slowdown.

Signs of a Diplomatic Thaw

• Resumption of official dialogue:
  • In April 2026, India and Turkey resumed Foreign Office Consultations after a four-year gap. 
  • Discussions covered: Trade and investment, tourism, technology and innovation, energy cooperation, education, counter-terrorism and security cooperation.
  • Both sides acknowledged the importance of sustained dialogue to prevent misunderstandings and manage disagreements.
• Cooperation on law enforcement:
  • A significant confidence-building measure (CBM) was Turkey’s assistance in extraditing fugitive drug trafficker Salim Dola to India.
  • Discussions are underway regarding the extradition of additional criminals wanted by Indian authorities.
• Other CBMs:
  • Both sides invoked historical goodwill, including India’s support for Turkey’s War of Independence.
  • Turkey clarified that military interactions with Pakistan were part of longstanding defence arrangements rather than new assistance.
  • India conveyed that its growing engagement with Cyprus and Greece is not an anti-Turkey strategy.

Why Turkey Recalibrated Its Approach

• Economic imperatives: 
  • The backlash in India highlighted the costs of diplomatic estrangement. 
  • Turkey seeks to preserve access to the large Indian market; opportunities in infrastructure, construction and investment; and revenue from Indian tourism.
  • India remains an important destination for Turkish exports such as marble, machinery and agricultural products, while Turkey imports Indian chemicals, machinery and automobile components.
• Strategic diversification:
  • As Turkey pursues a more autonomous foreign policy despite being a NATO member, it aims to deepen engagement with emerging Asian powers, including India.
  • The Turkish Foreign Minister has publicly emphasised that Ankara seeks positive bilateral ties with India independent of its relationship with Pakistan.

Why India Is Interested in Re-engagement

• Geopolitical significance: A functional relationship with Turkey offers India:
  • Greater outreach in the Islamic world.
  • Access to European and Central Asian markets.
  • Enhanced connectivity opportunities.
  • Strategic balancing amid evolving regional geopolitics.
• Trade and connectivity interests:
  • Despite political tensions, commercial ties remained relatively resilient. India recognises the strategic value of maintaining economic engagement with Turkey.
  • Maintaining ties with Turkey provides flexibility in pursuing alternative trade and transit routes (IMEC and INSTC) amid ongoing instability in West Asia.

Conclusion

• The India–Turkey relationship is moving from confrontation towards cautious pragmatism, with collaboration in multilateral forums such as the G20, and convergence on reforming global governance institutions (like UNSC).
• Indian policymakers believe that a more balanced and nuanced Turkish position on Kashmir would significantly strengthen bilateral relations.

Source: IE