Why will eyes be on Pakistan during the Trump-Modi meeting?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to America. He will meet President Donald Trump. When PM Modi and Trump are meeting, India will also keep an eye on Pakistan. The reason for this is Turkish President Erdogan's visit to the neighboring country. Erdogan is on a visit to Pakistan as his last stop after visiting Malaysia and Indonesia. This visit is a symbol of deep bilateral relations between Ankara and Islamabad. It also has wide geopolitical implications which India cannot ignore.
Erdogan's visit comes at a time when Turkey and Pakistan are strengthening their ties in a number of areas. Recently, Pakistan signed a deal to purchase Turkish naval ships. In January, the two countries also conducted naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, reflecting their growing military coordination.
Deepening friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan
Turkey has played a key role in enhancing Pakistan's military capabilities. This cooperation spans a number of areas including naval shipbuilding, drone technology and arms sales. Another sign of their growing security cooperation is the second round of Pakistan-Turkey Counter Terrorism Consultations, which took place in Islamabad after six years.
The discussions focused on key issues such as preventing terror funding-radicalisation and controlling online extremism. Both countries face similar security challenges. Pakistan is fighting militancy in Balochistan, while Turkey is dealing with Kurdish separatists. The renewed focus on counter-terrorism cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan is a key aspect that India will analyse carefully.
Pakistan has long been sheltering terrorist networks operating against India. If Turkey plays a role in Pakistan's counter-terrorism mechanism, it can yield positive results. However, if the cooperation is to protect elements that India considers a threat, tensions may increase.
What for India?
One of the biggest changes in Turkey's foreign policy is its attempt to join BRICS. Erdogan's speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September did not mention Kashmir, which is a big change from his earlier speeches. If Turkey enters BRICS, it will bring benefits as well as challenges to India. On the other hand, Turkey's NATO membership and growing ties with China can create complications within BRICS. India will be closely watching how Turkey balances its position in BRICS and whether it continues to support Pakistan on issues like Kashmir.
Earlier, India has strengthened its ties with Turkey's regional rivals, including Armenia, Cyprus and Greece, in response to Turkey's stance towards Pakistan and interference in India's internal affairs. For years, Erdogan was one of the leaders who raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations General Assembly, often echoing Pakistan's point of view. However, the issue was completely omitted in his 2024 address.
Erdogan's visit to Pakistan is more than a routine diplomatic engagement. Its deep defence ties with Pakistan remain a matter of concern for India. This is why India will be keeping an eye on Erdogan's visit to Pakistan.