Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 14 (ANI): Former Indian Ambassador to Turkey, Sanjay Panda, has termed Turkey’s military support to Pakistan as a “major strategic miscalculation” that could negatively impact Ankara’s relationship with India.
Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Panda emphasized that Turkey’s continued support for Pakistan, especially in the context of recent conflicts, reflects a misguided approach. “The fact remains how Turkey looks at India… It’s a major strategic miscalculation for Turkey, knowing very well how and where these products are going to be used,” he said.
This statement comes after Turkey’s continued backing of Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict, including during India’s recent Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, saw precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), killing over 100 terrorists.
Turkey’s support for Pakistan, particularly its military and diplomatic backing, has raised concerns in India about national security and the safety of its citizens. Panda explained that Turkey’s stance aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s broader vision of reviving the glory of the Ottoman Empire and asserting leadership in the Islamic world.
“At this point in time, Turkey is with Pakistan, but it is part of the larger agenda of President Erdogan,” Panda noted. He added that Erdogan’s vision centers around reviving the Caliphate’s glory, despite limited support within Turkey for this ambition.
Regarding military cooperation, Panda clarified that Turkey’s support for Pakistan is not based on gifts or aid but rather commercial transactions. He highlighted that Pakistan is a significant buyer of Turkish military equipment, including drones and four MILGEM-class corvettes.
“Let us get it very clear, it’s not that Turkey is gifting drones to Pakistan. Pakistan is a major buyer of Turkish drones,” he said.
Panda also pointed out that Turkey’s military support to Pakistan is relatively limited compared to what Pakistan receives from China. In 2023, Pakistan procured military equipment worth around USD 5-6 million from Turkey, significantly less than its imports from China.
Despite Turkey’s strong ties with Pakistan, Panda suggested that this military relationship might not drastically alter the India-Pakistan dynamic. He characterized the relationship as an “all-weather friendship” driven mainly by commercial interests rather than strategic alliance.
The former envoy’s comments reflect growing concerns within Indian diplomatic circles about the implications of Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan, particularly as India continues to respond to terrorism with precision military actions. (ANI)
About The Author
