Amid the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey emerged as one of the few nations openly backing Islamabad, raising questions about Ankara’s geopolitical motives. Experts suggest that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s vision of reviving the Ottoman Empire is a key factor driving Turkey’s support for Pakistan.
Turkey’s Military Assistance to Pakistan
While China’s support for Pakistan was expected due to their long-standing alliance, Turkey’s involvement surprised many. Reports indicate that Turkey supplied advanced weaponry, including drones and missiles, to Pakistan during the conflict. Additionally, Turkey deployed its Ada-class anti-submarine warfare corvette, TCG Büyükada, to Pakistani waters as a show of solidarity.
Erdogan’s ‘Ottoman Caliphate’ Ambitions
According to foreign affairs expert Zahack Tanvir, Erdogan’s alliance with Pakistan is rooted in his aspirations to revive the Ottoman Caliphate and establish Turkey as a dominant force in the Islamic world. Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and military strength make it a valuable ally in Erdogan’s vision of expanding Turkey’s influence.
Cultural Influence and Strategic Positioning
Beyond military support, Turkey has also been influencing Pakistani culture by promoting Ottoman-era narratives. The Urdu-dubbed version of the Turkish web series ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’, based on the life of Ertuğrul Ghazi, has gained massive popularity in Pakistan, reinforcing Erdogan’s ideological push.
Additionally, Turkey’s consistent support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue has strengthened their diplomatic ties. Erdogan has repeatedly raised the Kashmir dispute at international forums, despite Turkey having no direct stake in the matter.
Global Reactions and India’s Response
While Turkey and China backed Pakistan, most Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran, maintained a neutral stance and supported India’s fight against terrorism. India, in response to Turkey’s involvement, has strengthened its diplomatic and defense ties with Greece and Armenia, both of whom have historical tensions with Turkey.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, Turkey’s growing alliance with Pakistan raises concerns about regional stability and Ankara’s long-term ambitions.
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