After Turkey, Now Iran Turns the Heat on Pakistan

For decades, India has been referred to as a “sleeping giant” — a country with immense potential but often perceived as underplaying its role in global affairs. With a population of over 1.4 billion, a nuclear arsenal, a rapidly growing economy, and one of the world’s largest militaries, India has the credentials to be a major global player. Yet, the question keeps surfacing: Is India still punching below its weight?

Let’s rewind to recent months for some context.

The Changing Neighborhood: Turkey and Iran Get Bold

Pakistan has always been a central focus in India’s regional strategy. But now, Turkey and Iran are stepping into the spotlight — and not as Pakistan’s allies.

• Earlier this year, Turkey, under Erdogan, openly challenged Pakistan over its handling of Uyghur Muslims and took a more neutral (some say pro-India) stand on Kashmir — a major shift from past rhetoric.
• Now, Iran has upped the ante. The same Iran that once echoed Pakistan’s Islamic solidarity is now siding with India on regional connectivity, especially through the Chabahar Port project — and has publicly called out Pakistan over border security and terror havens.

This is not minor. These are two of the most vocal Islamic countries beginning to push back against Pakistan — a country that long relied on Muslim solidarity to rally diplomatic support, especially on Kashmir.

So, Where Is India in All This?

India has played its cards quietly, but effectively. While it may not be blasting trumpets from New York to Geneva, it’s been busy:

• Securing global alliances — from QUAD to I2U2 to stronger ties with Gulf nations.
• Taking strong stances — whether it’s on Hamas, Ukraine, or standing firm against Chinese aggression in Ladakh.
• Building regional credibility — not by exporting ideology, but infrastructure. The Chabahar Port, vaccine diplomacy, G20 presidency, and the push for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) all show a shift from a passive to proactive India.

And let’s not forget: India didn’t need to bad-mouth Pakistan to turn the tide. It let Pakistan’s own neighbors do the talking.

Meanwhile, What’s Happening with Pakistan?

Pakistan’s traditional allies are slowly drifting. Its economic crisis, reliance on China, growing extremism, and diplomatic flip-flops have made even old friends uneasy.

• Saudi Arabia has refused to bail it out without reforms.
• The UAE has increased pressure on economic cooperation over ideology.
• China is growing impatient over delays in CPEC and regional instability.
• Now Iran and Turkey, once seen as ideological brothers, are making their discontent known.

In contrast, India’s growing soft power and economic influence have allowed it to build bridges — even in traditionally hostile regions.

Then, Why Do People Still Say India Punches Below Its Weight?

Because in some ways, it still does:

• India hesitates to lead on global crises unless directly involved.
• Its UN diplomacy lacks the aggressive charm of smaller countries like UAE or Qatar.
• Domestically, political polarization and bureaucracy slow decision-making.
• It rarely uses its diaspora or tech dominance as geopolitical tools — the way China does with manufacturing or the US does with finance.

But that’s changing. Slowly, but surely.

Final Thoughts: From Regional Player to Global Shaper?

India may have once been a soft-spoken observer in global affairs, but it’s increasingly becoming a quiet disruptor. It doesn’t shout from the rooftops — but it does make its presence felt.

When Iran and Turkey begin turning against Pakistan — without any overt Indian influence — it’s a sign that India’s strategic patience is paying off.

So, is India still punching below its weight?

Maybe. But the gloves are definitely coming off.