New Delhi | July 10, 2025 — In a series of bold and calculated moves, India appears to be strategically undermining Turkey’s influence across multiple sectors — from global trade routes and defense collaborations to aviation and diplomatic alignments.
This quiet but firm pushback comes amid rising tensions over Turkey’s repeated support for Pakistan on Kashmir and terrorism-related issues.
1. India’s IMEC vs Turkey’s Silk Route Dream
India’s promotion of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) — backed by the US, EU, UAE, and Saudi Arabia — has sent clear shockwaves through Ankara.
The corridor, which completely bypasses Turkey, is seen as a direct counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Turkey’s dream of being a key logistics hub. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan responded sharply, stating, “No corridor can exist without Turkey.”
In retaliation, Ankara is now pushing a rival corridor through Iraq, but India has already pulled ahead with diplomatic traction.
2. India Revokes Turkish Aviation Firm’s Security Clearance
The Indian government recently cancelled the security clearance of Çelebi Aviation, a Turkish company operating in key Indian airports. The move was directly linked to Turkey’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a major counter-terror initiative.
This forced IndiGo to terminate all leasing ties with Turkish Airlines, and Air India is expected to shift away from Turkish maintenance contracts.
“National security cannot be compromised,” a senior official told reporters in Delhi.
3. Turkey Dropped From $2 Billion Naval Deal
India has also cancelled a multi-billion dollar naval shipbuilding partnership with Turkey’s Anadolu Shipyard, previously shortlisted to build fleet support vessels for the Indian Navy.
Citing strategic discomfort and growing ties with Greece and Israel, India has now shifted focus to indigenous development — a clear signal to Ankara that military ties are not immune to politics.
🇵🇰 4. India Warns Turkey: Stop Supporting Pakistan
In one of the strongest diplomatic messages yet, India urged Turkey to “reconsider its stance on Pakistan”, warning that any country supporting terrorism will not find favor in Delhi.
This came after Turkey backed Islamabad at the UNGA and OIC forums regarding Jammu & Kashmir — a red line for India.
🇬🇷 5. India’s New Ally: Greece
In a major geopolitical shift, India is building strong ties with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel — countries that directly counter Turkey’s Mediterranean ambitions.
India is even exploring missile exports to Greece, including the long-range ‘Nirbhay’ cruise missile, which could serve as a deterrent against Turkish aggression in the region.
Modi’s visit to Athens — the first by an Indian PM in 40 years — is seen as the start of a broader Eastern Mediterranean alignment.
Quick Snapshot: India vs Turkey – Strategic Tensions
| Sector | India’s Move | Impact on Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | IMEC corridor bypasses Turkey | Weakens Turkey’s regional logistics role |
| Aviation | Çelebi clearance revoked, leases cancelled | Ends Turkish presence in Indian aviation |
| Defense | Shipbuilding deal scrapped | Turkey loses $2B project, India shifts to Greece |
| Diplomacy | Open rebuke over Pakistan support | Relations at lowest point |
| Strategy | Strengthens ties with Greece, Cyprus, Israel | Turkey’s Mediterranean plans face new roadblocks |
Final Word
India isn’t making loud threats, but its actions are unmistakable — quietly but systematically cutting Turkey out of critical partnerships. From aviation and naval deals to geopolitics and defense, Delhi is building new alliances and protecting its national interest without apology.
Turkey may have underestimated how deeply India takes issues like terrorism, sovereignty, and regional security.
