Written by Air Marshal Naresh Verma and Shamila Jibin
Diplomatic relations between India and Turkey, which took root in 1948, have undeniably weathered various storms and flourished through the years. While their cooperation has spanned multiple sectors, recent challenges, particularly concerning the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, have cast a shadow over their relations. Nevertheless, this relationship remains a fascinating tapestry of diplomatic warmth, trade ties, military exercises, and evolving global dynamics.
Trade has long been the bedrock of the India-Turkey relationship, with a Bilateral Trade Agreement inked in 1973 and the establishment of the India-Turkey Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (JCETC) in 1983. Despite global challenges such as the pandemic, bilateral trade has surged, reflecting the commitment to economic cooperation. Notably, discussions on a free trade area, though unsigned, underscore the shared resolve to bolster economic ties and foster trade relations between these two nations. In the realm of military cooperation, India and Turkey have quietly engaged in passage exercises (PASSEX) between their navies. These exercises reveal their intent to collaborate on defense matters, even in the face of recent hiccups, demonstrating that their strategic interests transcend momentary disruptions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for India’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) signals a significant shift. This acknowledgment of India’s global significance underscores Turkey’s willingness to strengthen ties with this emerging global power. Erdogan’s softer stance on the Kashmir issue further accentuates the evolving dynamics between the two nations. His emphasis on bilateral resolution reflects a pragmatic approach to sensitive matters, offering hope for diplomatic breakthroughs.
Recent interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Erdogan during the SCO summit and India’s assistance during Turkey’s earthquake crisis have also paved the way for enhanced cooperation. During this meeting, the two leaders holistically reassessed bilateral ties between India and Turkey and deliberated on ways to deepen economic cooperation. As Turkey grapples with economic challenges, it seeks to expand its role in international organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where India holds the presidency. This convergence of interests in multilateral forums strengthens their diplomatic handshakes.
Obviously, an anti-India posture will not help the matter for Turkey in the changed circumstances, particularly when despite the hitherto tense relations between them, India-Turkey bilateral trade has been fairly extensive. Trade is touching close to about $10 billion. India has awarded a
consortium of Turkey’s top five leading shipyards, TAIS, the contract of naval shipbuilding worth $2.3 billion. A Turkish company, Savronik, has also completed a defense ministry-related project to build a tunnel in India’s Leh-Manali highway. And for Indian businesses, Turkey serves as a strategic gateway to Europe and Africa, aided by Turkey’s membership in the EU Customs Union. This economic advantage fuels India’s desire to deepen its engagement with Turkey, making it not just a partner but a gateway to broader opportunities.
In a recent statement, President Erdogan highlighted that India is his country’s greatest trade partner in South Asia, expressing confidence in tapping the substantial potential of cooperation between the two nations. This statement is a testament to the enduring nature of the India-Turkey relationship and the promising avenues it continues to explore. Their commitment to trade, quiet military collaboration, evolving diplomatic dynamics, and strategic economic advantages all contribute to the intriguing tapestry of this partnership. As both nations navigate complex global landscapes, their cooperation remains a beacon of hope in an ever-changing world. Past setbacks notwithstanding, India-Turkey ties have a real chance of better days ahead.
Air Marshal Naresh Verma, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former DG, Administration & AOA, Indian Air Force and Member, Armed Forces Tribunal.
He is currently contributing as a Principal Advisor, TLGS Consulting Group. (https://tlgs.consulting/people/)
Ms. Shamila Jibin is currently a Manager at TLGS Consulting Group, and is a lawyer who graduated from the National University of Advanced Legal Studies in Kochi.