New Delhi.
Turkey, a NATO member and a supposed secular republic, has increasingly aligned itself with radical Islamist regimes and military establishments hostile to Bharat’s sovereignty. In recent years, Turkey’s strategic defence partnership with Pakistan has grown at an alarming pace, with the Turkish government supplying critical military hardware, technological platforms, and training to Pakistan’s armed forces.
It is shocking to note that Turkey, the second-largest arms supplier to Pakistan after China, has played a key role in modernizing Pakistan’s navy and enhancing its aerial warfare capabilities. Among the most disturbing developments —
* Turkey has delivered MILGEM-class warships to Pakistan under a $1.5 billion deal, strengthening Pakistan’s naval strike capabilities.
* Turkish company Baykar has supplied Pakistan with Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı armed drones-platforms already proven in conflicts in Libya, Syria, and Azerbaijan.
* Turkey’s STM is upgrading Pakistan’s Agosta 90B submarines under a $350 million agreement.
* An electronic warfare test range has been established in Pakistan with the help of HAVELSAN, Turkey’s defence electronics major.
* A $1.5 billion deal was signed for 30 T129 ATAK helicopters, though delivery has been delayed due to third-party approvals.
Swadeshi Jagran Manch strongly condemns this unholy alliance that directly compromises Bharat’s national security. This defence collaboration is not just commercial; it is ideological, targeting the stability of South Asia and emboldening Pakistan’s military adventurism. At a time when Bharat has exercised tremendous restraint in the face of repeated provocations from Pakistan-including the harbouring of terror camps and aggressive posturing near the Line of Control-Turkey’s support amounts to direct complicity.
It’s unfortunate that Turkey didn’t even condemn the brutal terror attack at Pahalgam killing 26 people on April 22.
Bharat’s Humanitarian Support to Turkey
It seems Turkey has forgotten, Bharat’s generous and timely humanitarian assistance to Turkey in its times of crisis. Bharat has stood by Turkey not only as a trading partner but as a responsible global power demonstrating Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
* During the devastating earthquakes in February 2023, Bharat was one of the first countries to launch Operation Dost, dispatching rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), army medical teams, field hospitals, and over 100 tons of relief material including medical supplies, generators, tents, and blankets.
* Bharat’s diplomatic missions and civil society rose in unison to raise support and solidarity with the Turkish people.
* On multilateral platforms like the G20 and UN, Bharat has consistently supported inclusive engagement with Turkey as part of the broader West Asian neighbourhood, including dialogue on energy security and counter-terrorism.
Despite these gestures of solidarity and goodwill, Turkey has chosen to side with Bharat’s adversaries in matters of vital national security interest. This betrayal of trust must be addressed with moral clarity and strategic firmness.
Bharat contributes significantly to Turkey’s tourism revenue. In 2024/25, nearly 4 lakh Indian tourists visited Turkey. Dozens of weekly direct flights operate between major Indian cities and Istanbul, operated by Turkish Airlines and Indian carriers.
Swadeshi Jagran Manch, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful international engagement rooted in mutual respect and sovereignty, recommends the following urgent steps to the Government of Bharat —
- Impose Economic Sanctions: Restrict non-essential imports from Turkey and impose higher duties on key Turkish commodities such as marble, chemicals, and machinery.
- Suspend Civil Aviation Links: Temporarily suspend direct flights to Turkey and revoke aviation codeshare privileges until Turkey halts defence supplies to Pakistan.
- Discourage Outbound Tourism: Issue a travel advisory to Indian citizens against visiting Turkey; withdraw tourism promotion cooperation.
- Re-evaluate Diplomatic Engagements: Reduce the level of diplomatic and cultural exchanges with Turkey, and reassess all bilateral agreements.
- Promote Domestic Alternatives: Urge Indian businesses and consumers to switch to Bharatiya substitutes for Turkish goods, and promote domestic destinations in place of Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia.
Swadeshi Jagran Manch reiterates that people of Bharat must boycott nations actively helping Pakistan build its offensive capabilities. The principle of “Nation First” must guide our trade, investment, and diplomatic relationships.
SJM urges patriotic citizens of Bharat to boycott Turkish products, travel, and cultural exports as a mark of solidarity with our soldiers and national interest. Let us choose self-reliance over strategic dependence on nations that empower our adversaries.
Dr. Ashwani Mahajan
National Co-Convener
Swadeshi Jagran Manch
