India–Türkiye Rift Risks Regional Realignment and Strategic Isolation

Reading Time: 4 minutes Mounting tensions between India and Türkiye are ushering in what analysts are calling a strategic recalibration in South Asia. Türkiye’s deepening military ties with Pakistan and Bangladesh now threaten to erode India’s influence and further complicate its already fragile regional security environment. While Türkiye remains a NATO member, India’s confrontational stance towards Ankara risks alienating Western allies, particularly at a time when global powers seek alignment in an increasingly multipolar world. India’s Strategic Miscalculation? India has taken an assertive position on Türkiye’s vocal support for Kashmir and its perceived alignment with Pakistan. However, severing diplomatic or trade ties with Ankara may prove to be self-defeating. Despite ideological differences, Türkiye remains an important trade partner and defence supplier for India. Military-grade components, precision equipment, and dual-use technologies have flowed between the two nations. Table 1: India–Türkiye Trade and Defence Relations Sector2022 Value (USD millions)Key Goods/EquipmentBilateral Trade (Total)$12.2