This question is to blend a hypothetical stance—India supporting the Kurdish cause to destabilize Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s regime in Turkey—with a request for details on current affairs, specifically Erdogan’s arrest of a rival and ensuing protests. The article addresses both parts based on available information and the current context as of March 22, 2025.
Current Affairs: Erdogan Arrests Rival, Protests Erupt
As of recent developments in March 2025, Turkey has seen significant political turbulence following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opposition leader from the Republican People’s Party (CHP). Imamoglu, widely regarded as Erdogan’s most formidable rival, was detained on March 19, 2025, alongside over 100 others, including politicians, journalists, and businessmen. The charges against him include corruption and alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. This arrest occurred just days before Imamoglu was expected to be confirmed as the CHP’s presidential candidate for the 2028 elections, intensifying speculation of political motivation.
Protests erupted across Istanbul and other cities following the arrest. On March 19, thousands gathered in front of Istanbul’s city hall, chanting anti-government slogans like “Erdogan, dictator!” and “Imamoglu, you are not alone!” Despite a four-day protest ban imposed by the Istanbul governor’s office, demonstrations continued into a second night on March 20, with police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Reports indicate clashes between protesters and security forces, with 37 individuals arrested for “provocative” social media posts and 54 others for inciting public unrest online. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noted that 16 police officers were injured during these events. The CHP has called for nationwide peaceful protests, with leader Ozgur Ozel framing Imamoglu’s detention as an attack on democracy.
Erdogan has defended the crackdown, accusing opposition figures of theatrics and denying any political interference in the judiciary, which he claims operates independently. However, international reactions have been critical, with EU officials, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and the Council of Europe condemning the arrests as a blow to democratic principles. The Turkish lira dropped nearly 3.5% against the dollar, and the Istanbul Stock Exchange saw a 7-10% decline, reflecting economic fallout from the unrest.
Authorities must decide by March 23, 2025 (Sunday), whether to formally charge or release Imamoglu. Meanwhile, the CHP plans a symbolic election on the same day to reaffirm support for him, placing ballot boxes across Turkey despite the ongoing crackdown.
Should India Support the Kurdish Cause to Collapse Erdogan’s Regime?
Now, addressing the hypothetical argument in favor of India supporting the Kurdish cause to undermine Erdogan’s regime:
Yes, in Favor of India Supporting the Kurdish Cause
- Geopolitical Leverage Against Turkey: Erdogan’s Turkey has repeatedly raised the Kashmir issue on international platforms, such as the UN, aligning with Pakistan to challenge India’s sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir. For instance, in February 2025, India lodged a strong protest with Turkey’s ambassador after Erdogan called for UN dialogue on Kashmir following talks with Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif. Supporting the Kurdish cause—where Kurds seek autonomy or independence in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran—could serve as a counterweight, pressuring Turkey to reconsider its stance on Kashmir.
- Weakening an Adversary: Erdogan’s regime has been accused of funding anti-India activities, including supporting terror networks like ISIS operatives transiting through Turkey, as noted in Indian security assessments from 2020. Backing Kurdish groups, particularly those opposed to Ankara like the PKK or its Syrian affiliates (e.g., YPG), could destabilize Turkey internally. The Kurdish population in Turkey (estimated at 15-20% of 85 million) has long been a thorn in Erdogan’s side, and any external support could exacerbate tensions, potentially weakening his grip on power.
- Economic and Strategic Advantage: India’s economy might surpass Turkey’s, with a GDP of approximately $3.5 trillion compared to Turkey’s $1 trillion (2024 estimates). India could leverage its resources to fund Kurdish movements discreetly, mirroring Turkey’s alleged use of proxies against India. This could also align India with Western powers like the US, which have historically supported Kurdish forces in Syria against ISIS, enhancing India’s strategic position in the Middle East.
- Erdogan’s Vulnerabilities: The current protests and economic turmoil (e.g., lira depreciation, stock market drops) highlight Erdogan’s domestic fragility after 22 years in power. His AK Party suffered significant losses in the 2024 local elections, and the arrest of Imamoglu risks further alienating voters. Supporting Kurdish aspirations could amplify these pressures, potentially accelerating a regime collapse if unrest spreads to Kurdish-dominated southeast Turkey.
Counterpoints and Risks
- Escalation with Turkey: Open support for the Kurds could provoke Turkey, a NATO member, to intensify its anti-India rhetoric or actions, possibly deepening ties with Pakistan and China, both of whom India views as strategic rivals.
- Terrorism Label: The PKK is a designated terrorist group, and backing it could damage India’s international reputation or invite accusations of hypocrisy given its stance against separatism in Kashmir.
- Limited Impact: Kurdish movements have historically struggled against Turkey’s military might, and India’s involvement might not guarantee Erdogan’s downfall, especially if he consolidates power through nationalist backlash.
Connection to Current Affairs
The arrest of Imamoglu and subsequent protests underscore Erdogan’s authoritarian tendencies and domestic opposition, which India could exploit indirectly by supporting Kurdish groups. However, there’s no evidence India is currently pursuing this strategy. India’s official stance remains focused on protesting Turkey’s Kashmir remarks diplomatically, as seen in February 2025, rather than engaging in covert support for Kurdish causes.
In summary, while a case can be made for India to back the Kurdish cause as a tit-for-tat against Erdogan’s regime—especially amid his crackdown on rivals like Imamoglu and the resulting unrest—such a move would carry significant risks. Current affairs show Erdogan facing internal challenges, but whether India could or should capitalize on this via the Kurds remains a speculative and untested proposition.
