India–Turkey Relations: Challenges and Scope for Reset

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2-International Relations

Introduction

India–Turkey relations have remained unpredictable and fragile, largely shaped by third-party problems, especially Pakistan. Even minor India–Pakistan tensions affect bilateral ties. Despite strong economic and strategic potential, confidence-building remains limited. Recent consultations show efforts to revive engagement, but deep political differences and external linkages continue to constrain stable relations.

Different Phases of India–Turkey Relations

1. Cold War Era Alignment with Pakistan: During the Cold War, Turkey and Pakistan were close strategic partners and US allies. Turkey consistently supported Pakistan, which limited independent engagement with India.
2. 1980s De-hyphenation Phase: In 1984, both countries agreed to pause differences on Kashmir and Cyprus, improving ties. Turkey later developed a more independent India policy.
3. Growth Phase under Erdoğan: After 2002, relations improved through high-level visits and trade expansion. Bilateral trade rose from $700 million to $13.82 billion by 2022.
4. Post-2019 Strategic Regression: After the abrogation of Article 370, Turkey supported Pakistan again. This shifted its policy back to a security-driven and Pakistan-aligned approach.
5. Recent Breakdown after Operation Sindoor: Turkey’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor led to strong backlash in India. This caused a sharp decline in political and economic engagement..

Significance of Türkiye for India

1. Strategic Location and Connectivity Role: Türkiye lies between Europe and Asia, making it important for trade routes and connectivity to European markets.
2. Role in Multilateral Forums: Türkiye participates in platforms like the UN and G20, where cooperation can support India’s global interests.
3. Importance in Islamic World: Türkiye’s influence among Muslim-majority countries helps India manage wider diplomatic relations in West Asia.
4. Gateway for Economic Engagement: Turkish routes and ports can help Indian businesses access European markets efficiently.
5. Institutional Framework of Engagement: Mechanisms like Foreign Office Consultations (2000), JCETC (1983), and Policy Planning Dialogue (2020) enable structured dialogue.
6. Humanitarian Engagement: India’s Operation Dost (2023) to provide relief, rescue, and medical assistance after the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, showing cooperation despite political differences.

Challenges in India–Turkey Relations

1. Persistent Pakistan Factor: Turkey’s support to Pakistan on Kashmir is the main issue. It keeps relations linked to India–Pakistan tensions.
2. Defence and Strategic Alignment with Pakistan: Turkey’s defence exports and military cooperation with Pakistan have increased. This deepens mistrust in India.
3. Cyprus Issue and Counter Positions: India supports Cyprus, while Turkey supports Pakistan. This creates a mirror conflict situation.
4. Limits of Trade-Centric Relations: Economic ties failed to prevent political tensions during crises like Operation Sindoor. Trade alone could not build trust.
5. Economic and Tourism Impact of Tensions: Bilateral trade fell to $8.71 billion, and Indian tourist arrivals declined by 37% in June 2025.
6. Diplomatic Gaps and Lack of Engagement: No major visits by Indian leadership to Turkey show weak political engagement. Dialogue remains limited.
7. Perception Gap and Limited Understanding: Turkish institutions and public opinion show low interest in India’s perspective. This weakens mutual trust.

Emerging Geopolitical and Economic Opportunities

1. Trade Opportunities through FTA and CEPA: After the India–EU FTA (2026), Indian goods get easier access to Turkish markets. Türkiye may seek a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)with India.
2. Alternative Connectivity Corridors: Türkiye’s Development Corridor can offer routes for Indian trade to Europe, especially as IMEC faces delays.
3. Convergence in Regional Interests: Both countries share interests in Gulf, Central Asia, and Africa, creating space for cooperation.
4. Role in West Asian Diplomacy: Türkiye’s role in mediating conflicts, along with countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, aligns with India’s regional interests.
5. Changing Strategic Orientation of Türkiye: Türkiye is moving from a NATO-centric role to multi-alignment, increasing its relevance for India.

Way Forward

1. Need for De-hyphenation from Pakistan and Cyprus Issues: Both sides should avoid linking ties with India–Pakistan (Kashmir) and Turkey–Cyprus disputes, as this mutual linkage keeps relations constrained and prevents independent bilateral engagement.
2. Balancing Political and Economic Engagement: Relations should not depend only on trade. Strong political trust and dialogue are needed.
3. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: Regular use of platforms like Foreign Office Consultations, JCETC, and Policy Planning Dialogue can ensure continuous and structured engagement.
4. Enhancing Mutual Understanding and Perception: Both countries should improve awareness of each other’s strategic importance, as current perception gaps weaken trust and cooperation.
5. Leveraging Regional Convergence: Cooperation in West Asia, Central Asia, and Africa, along with connectivity projects like corridors, can create shared strategic and economic benefits.
6. Using Pragmatic Diplomatic Approach: Following India’s engagement with countries like China, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan despite tensions, both sides should adopt a flexible and interest-based approach to manage differences.

Conclusion

India–Turkey relations reflect a mix of strategic potential and recurring disruptions, driven by external linkages and weak political trust. Economic ties alone have proved insufficient during crises. However, converging interests in West Asia, connectivity, and global forums make disengagement impractical. A sustainable reset requires de-hyphenation from Pakistan, stronger political dialogue, and better mutual understanding, ensuring relations move beyond episodic cooperation toward a stable and balanced partnership.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key challenges in India–Turkey relations and examine the scope for a sustainable reset in the current geopolitical context.

Source: Indian Express