Bharat Global Time Desk | May 20, 2025
In a development that has caught the attention of strategic watchers in New Delhi, former US President Donald Trump’s administration has pushed ahead with plans to sell Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Turkey. While on the surface it appears to be just another arms deal, experts in India see it as a potential game-changer with serious regional security implications.
What’s the Deal About?
AMRAAM missiles are among the most sophisticated air-to-air weapons in the world, capable of engaging enemy aircraft at medium ranges with high precision. Turkey acquiring these missiles would significantly boost its air combat capabilities.
This deal comes amid Turkey’s growing ambitions in the region and its increasingly assertive foreign policy, which has raised eyebrows in many capitals — including New Delhi.
Why Does India Care?
- Turkey’s Close Ties with Pakistan:
Over the past few years, Turkey and Pakistan have strengthened their defense and diplomatic ties. Ankara has been vocal in supporting Islamabad on contentious issues, including Kashmir. Enhanced Turkish military capabilities could embolden Pakistan, which India views as its primary security challenge. - Regional Power Dynamics:
Turkey’s growing military clout, supported by advanced US weaponry, could shift the regional balance, not just in the Middle East but also in South Asia’s extended neighborhood. - The US’s Mixed Signals:
India has been working hard to deepen defense cooperation with the US, trusting Washington as a reliable partner. But moves like these can create doubts about America’s strategic priorities and its approach to India’s security concerns.
Experts Weigh In
“While this is a sovereign US decision, India is naturally cautious,” says Lt. Gen. (Retd) Ajay Singh. “Turkey’s military expansion backed by American arms has indirect consequences for South Asian security. It could indirectly fuel Pakistan’s posture, which India monitors closely.”
What Next?
India is expected to engage in quiet diplomatic dialogue with the US to express concerns and seek reassurances. Meanwhile, New Delhi continues to strengthen its own defense capabilities and partnerships, especially with countries like France, Israel, and Russia
