In a move that has raised eyebrows domestically as well as internationally, India’s recent diplomatic overtures to Turkey have ignited a firestorm of criticism. As a vocal advocate of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and a vocal critic of Indian policies on various global forums, many are left wondering: Why is New Delhi welcoming Erdogan’s Turkey?
The question is not rhetorical—it reflects a deeper concern about India’s foreign policy consistency, its strategic priorities, and whether such outreach sends mixed signals to both allies and adversaries.
A History of Strained Ties
Turkey during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not hesitated in openly siding with Pakistan, particularly on the issue of Kashmir. Erdogan has echoed Islamabad’s voice at various platforms, including the United Nations, condemning India’s actions like revoking Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2020, Turkey was one of the few countries to back Pakistan in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) when most Gulf nations chose to remain neutral or side with India’s sovereignty concerns. Ankara’s growing closeness with Islamabad—militarily, ideologically, and diplomatically—has often placed it at direct odds with New Delhi’s core interests.
The Diplomatic Shift
In spite of this background, current trends point to a relaxing of India’s attitude towards Turkey. Senior-level interactions, bilateral discussions, and growth in trade interactions have started redefining what was otherwise a chilly relationship. India’s involvement in multilateral forums that involve Turkey, and intimations of an increase in economic cooperation, have generated skepticism in strategic circles.
Is it a pragmatic diplomatic shift, or an premature overture to a known adversary?
Critics Sound the Alarm
Strategic analysts, diplomats, and opposition leaders have been quick to condemn the move. The main argument is that India seems to be “rewarding” Turkey—a nation that continues to defy its sovereignty and openly allies with Pakistan on key issues.
“India’s foreign policy is losing its cutting edge. We are sending mixed signals by offering an olive branch to Erdogan while he goes on spreading anti-India rhetoric,” a former Indian diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Others have taken it a step further, terming the engagement “a diplomatic blunder”, cautioning that Turkey’s intentions might not have changed, and that any warmth offered now could be taken advantage of later.
The Case for Engagement
Conversely, some say that participating doesn’t imply approval. With India assuming its position as a world leader and an important stakeholder in rising multilateral mechanisms, it can’t afford to exclude every nation with a dissident perspective. Diplomacy, after all, feeds on dialogue—even with problematic partners.
India’s energy requirements, aspirations for influence in West Asia and Central Asia and ambitions for greater economic leverage necessitate it to sustain working relationships—even with states not necessarily constantly friendly.
In addition, soft diplomacy would also represent a strategic effort to break up the Turkey-Pakistan-China nexus, or at least stop it from becoming an immovable anti-India bloc.
What’s at Stake?
At risk is India’s diplomatic reputation and strategic integrity. New Delhi, if it decides to approach Turkey, must do so without diluting national interests, particularly on the Kashmir issue. It must also ensure that its conventional allies, notably in the Arab world and the West, do not misread this engagement as a shift in allegiance.
The only way to succeed is by striking a balance between strategic autonomy and principled diplomacy. India can make overtures to Turkey but at a clear-eyed understanding of Erdogan’s regional ambitions and past record.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk or a Strategic Misstep?
Only time will tell if this is a calculated diplomatic risk or a strategic blunder. What is certain, however, is that India’s overture to Turkey is being watched closely, not only by Pakistan and China but by its own people and international partners.
In the intricate gameboard of international politics, every move counts. New Delhi needs to make sure that in attempting to keep its foes close, it does not end up pushing its allies away—or confusing its own citizens.