India–Turkey relations: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|1=Diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Turkey}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox bilateral relations|Indo-Turkish|India|Turkey|filetype=svg|mission1= Embassy of India, [[Ankara]]
{{Infobox bilateral relations|Indian-Turkish|India|Turkey|filetype=svg|mission1= Embassy of India, [[Ankara]]
|mission2= [[Embassy of Turkey, India|Embassy of Turkey, New Delhi]]
|mission2= [[Embassy of Turkey, India|Embassy of Turkey, New Delhi]]
|envoytitle1= Indian Ambassador to [[Turkey]]
|envoytitle1= Indian Ambassador to Turkey
|envoy1= Sanjay Panda
|envoy1= Shri Muktesh Pardeshi
|envoytitle2= Turkish Ambassador to [[India]]
|envoytitle2= Turkish Ambassador to India  
|envoy2=[[Firat Sunel]]
|envoy2=Ali Murat Ersoy
}}
}}[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on May 01, 2017 (1).jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, May 1, 2017]]


'''India–Turkey relations''' ({{Lang-hi|भारत-तुर्की संबंध}}; {{Lang-tr|Hindistan-Türkiye ilişkileri}}), also called '''Indian-Turkish relations''' or '''Indo-Turkish relations''' refer to the [[Bilateralism|bilateral relations]] between [[India]] and [[Turkey]]. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Turkey in 1948, political and bilateral relations have been usually characterised by warmth and cordiality, although some sporadic tensions remain due to Turkey's support for [[Pakistan]], India's rival.<ref name="idsa.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa.in/system/files/IB_IndiaTurkeyRelations.pdf|title=Can the Rise of 'New' Turkey Lead to a 'New' Era in India-Turkey Relations?|website=Idsa.in|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="mea.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Turkey_Relations.pdf|title=India-Turkey Relations : Executive Summary|website=Mea.gov.in|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> India has an embassy in [[Ankara]] and a consulate–general in [[Istanbul]]. Turkey has an embassy in [[New Delhi]] and a consulate-general in [[Mumbai]]. As of 2015, the bilateral trade between India and Turkey stood at US$6.26 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey_s-commercial-and-economic-relations-with-india.en.mfa|title=From Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|website=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
'''India–Turkey relations''', also known as the '''Indo-Turkish relations''', are the [[Bilateralism|bilateral relations]] between the [[Republic of India]] and the [[Republic of Türkiye]]. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Turkey in 1948, political and bilateral relations have been usually characterized by warmth and cordiality, although some sporadic tensions remain due to [[Pakistan–Turkey relations|Turkey's support for Pakistani stand on Kashmir]] and [[Armenia–India relations|India's support for Armenia]], [[Greece–India relations|Greece]] and [[Cyprus–India relations|Cyprus]] in return.<ref name="idsa.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa.in/system/files/IB_IndiaTurkeyRelations.pdf|title=Can the Rise of 'New' Turkey Lead to a 'New' Era in India-Turkey Relations?|website=Idsa.in|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="mea.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Turkey_Relations.pdf|title=India-Turkey Relations : Executive Summary|website=Mea.gov.in|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> India has an embassy in [[Ankara]] and a consulate–general in [[Istanbul]]. Turkey has an embassy in [[New Delhi]] and consulate-generals in [[Mumbai]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Hyderabad]]. As of 2019, the bilateral trade between India and Turkey stood at US$7.8 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkiye_s-commercial-and-economic-relations-with-india.en.mfa|title=Türkiye-India Economic and Trade Relations|publisher=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Economic and cultural relations between [[ancient India]] and [[History of Anatolia|Anatolia]] date back to the [[Vedic age]] (before 1000 BCE).<ref name="Radhey">{{cite book
Economic and cultural relations between [[ancient India]] and [[History of Anatolia|Anatolia]] date back to the [[Vedic age]] (before 1500 BCE).<ref name="Radhey">{{cite book |last=Shyam Chaurasia |first=Radhey |title=History of Ancient India: Earliest Times to 1000 A. D. |date=May 2002 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist, 2002 |isbn=9788126900275}}</ref>
  |last = Shyam Chaurasia
  |first = Radhey
  |title = History of Ancient India: Earliest Times to 1000 A. D.
  |date = May 2002
|publisher = Atlantic Publishers & Dist, 2002
  |isbn = 9788126900275}}</ref> During [[World War I]], the [[British Indian Empire|British Raj]] played a pivotal role in the successful Allied campaign against the [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="Kux">{{cite book
  |last = J. Schmidt
  |first = Karl
  |title = An Atlas and Survey of South Asian History
  |year = 1995
|url = https://archive.org/details/atlassurveyofsou0000schm
  |url-access = registration
  |publisher = M.E. Sharpe}}</ref>
There are deep historical connections between [[India]] and [[Turkey]]. The first exchange of diplomatic missions between the [[Ottoman Sultans]] and the Muslim rulers of the sub-continent dates back to the years 1481–82. A strong historical connection between Indian Muslims and
Turkey exists dating back to the medieval era and fostered with the late 19th and 20th century interaction between the two.<ref name="idsa.in"/> India and Turkey also have a cultural overlap. The Turkic impact on India in areas such as language, culture and civilisation, art and architecture, and costumes and cuisine was considerable. There are also over 9,000 words common in [[Hindi]] and [[Turkish language|Turkish]] languages. More recent historical contacts between India and Turkey were reflected in the medical mission led by renowned Indian freedom fighter, Dr. [[Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari|M. A. Ansari]], to Turkey in 1912 during the Balkan Wars. India also extended support in the 1920s to [[Turkish War of Independence|Turkey's War of Independence]] and the formation of the Turkish republic. [[Mahatma Gandhi]] himself took a stand against the injustices inflicted on Turkey at the end of [[World War I]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Turkey_July_2014.pdf|title=India-Turkey Relations|website=Mea.gov.in|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>


Turkey recognised India right after its declaration of independence on 15 August 1947 and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. As Turkey was part of the Western Alliance and India of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War era, the bilateral relations did not develop at a desired pace. However, since the end of the Cold War era, both sides put in effort in developing their bilateral relations in every field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey-india-relations.en.mfa|title=From Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|website=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref> In contemporary times, relations between India and Turkey have been strained due to Turkey's religious mutuality with [[Pakistan]]. Until recently, Turkey was a vocal advocate of Pakistan's position on the [[Kashmir dispute]].<ref name="Colakoglu">{{cite web|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/columnist/3649/turkey-india-relations-in-the-framework-of-ankara-39-s-new-south-asian-strategy.html|title=Turkey-India Relations in the Framework of Ankara's New South Asian Strategy|website=Turkishweekly.net|access-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511202129/http://www.turkishweekly.net/columnist/3649/turkey-india-relations-in-the-framework-of-ankara-39-s-new-south-asian-strategy.html|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Turkey was also one of the few opponents to India's inclusion into the [[Nuclear Suppliers Group]].<ref>[https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/india-and-turkey-friends-again/ "India and Turkey: Friends Again?"], ''The Diplomat'', 19 July 2013</ref> India's [[GMR Group]] is one of the main stakeholders in the new [[Sabiha Gökçen International Airport]] in [[İstanbul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/gmr-to-remain-invested-in-istanbul-airport/article5478308.ece|title=GMR to remain invested in Istanbul airport|author=Amit Mitra|work=[[Business Line]]|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref> Both the countries are members of the [[G20 industrial nations|G20]] group of major economies, where the two countries have closely cooperated on the management of the world economy. Bilateral trade in July 2012 stood at US$7.5 billion, a figure that is expected to double to US$15 billion by 2015. Strategically too, there are growing areas of consensus. On [[Afghanistan]], Turkey had taken the lead in 2011 to begin the Istanbul Process to find meaningful and sustainable solutions to Afghanistan's problems. The Istanbul Process culminated in the annual "Heart of Asia" regional conference on Afghanistan held in [[Kazakhstan]]'s former capital, [[Almaty]], with both India and Turkey playing important roles. In the context of the planned 2014 withdrawal of [[NATO]] and US troops from Afghanistan, the need for Delhi and Ankara to intensify dialogue over Afghanistan has acquired a particular importance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/india-and-turkey-friends-again/|title=India and Turkey: Friends Again?|website=Thediplomat.com|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>
In the [[Second Persian invasion of Greece]], Indians were employed in the Achaemenid army of [[Xerxes I|Xerxes]]. All troops were stationed in [[Sardis]], [[Lydia]], during the winter of 481-480 BCE to prepare for the invasion.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Stoneman |first1=Richard |title=Xerxes: A Persian Life |date=2015 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=9780300180077 |page=118 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V6pJCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA118 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Herodotus |title=LacusCurtius • Herodotus — Book VII: Chapters 1‑56 |pages=VII-26 |url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Herodotus/7A*.html}}</ref> In the spring of 480 BCE "Indian troops marched with Xerxes's army across the [[Hellespont]]".<ref name="Where was Achaemenid India"/><ref name="CB7"/>


In September 2019, Turkey had criticized India on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the revocation of article 370. It made vocal comments against India at the United Nations. Thereby it favoured the position of Pakistan in this respect. Due to this the relationship between India and Turkey are strained.
In 1212, the [[Sultanate of Rum|Seljuk Sultanate of Rum]] was gifted a colony in [[Koothanallur]] from the [[Chola dynasty|Chola Emperor]] of [[Tamilakam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaq |date=2012-01-17 |title=The Simble Investor: Koothanallur- A brief history of my home town |url=http://thesimblemantra.blogspot.com/2012/01/koothanallur-history.html |access-date=2022-05-08 |website=The Simble Investor}}</ref> The first exchange of diplomatic missions between the [[Ottoman Sultans]] and the Muslim rulers of the sub-continent dates back to the years 1481–82. Ottoman expeditions to the sultanates of [[Gujarat Sultanate|Gujarat]], [[Adil Shahi dynasty|Bijapur]], and [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate|Ahmednagar]] were motivated by mutual anti-[[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] sentiment; Ottoman artillery contributed to the fall of the pro-Portuguese [[Vijayanagara Empire]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Casale |first=Giancarlo |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195377828.001.0001 |title=The Ottoman Age of Exploration |date=2010-01-28 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195377828.001.0001 |isbn=978-0-19-537782-8}}</ref> Turkish-Indian relations soured when the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] conquered most of India, since the Mughal Empire was a symbolic threat to the Ottoman Empire's position as the universal caliphate, despite contemplation for a Mughal-Ottoman-[[Khanate of Bukhara|Uzbek]] alliance against Iran.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Farooqi |first=Naimur Rahman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uB1uAAAAMAAJ&q=alliance |title=Mughal-Ottoman Relations: A Study of Political & Diplomatic Relations Between Mughal India and the Ottoman Empire, 1556-1748 |date=1989 |publisher=Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Delli}}</ref> After the Mughal Empire collapsed, Muslim rulers of Mysore like [[Tipu Sultan]] sought Ottoman aid in driving out the [[British Empire|British]], but the Ottomans were weakened by wars with [[Russia]] and in no position to help.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Özcan |first=Azmi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s04pus5jBNwC&q=tipu+sultan+and+ottoman&pg=PA11 |title=Pan-Islamism: Indian Muslims, the Ottomans and Britain, 1877-1924 |date=1997 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-10632-1}}</ref>


India condemned [[Turkey]] for its [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|military offensive into north-eastern Syria]], claiming it would undermine regional stability and the fight against terrorism. India also called upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.<ref>{{cite news |title=India slams Turkey for its 'unilateral military offensive' in northeast Syria {{!}} India News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-slams-turkey-for-its-unilateral-military-offensive-in-northeast-syria/articleshow/71520852.cms |date=10 October 2019 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
From the 15th to the 19th century, Indian [[Dervishes]] came to the [[Ottoman Empire]] and built Tekke, the so-called Hintli Tekkeler. Their names are recorded in the Ottoman archives.<ref>{{cite journal | url=https://www.academia.edu/44684274 | title=Osmanlı Devleti'nde Hindî Tekkeleri (Indian Dervish Lodges in Ottoman State) | journal=Doktora Tezi | date=January 2020 | last1=i̇Şlek | first1=Ali Emre | archive-date=12 April 2023 | access-date=2 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412050445/https://www.academia.edu/44684274/Osmanl%C4%B1_Devletinde_Hind%C3%AE_Tekkeleri_Indian_Dervish_Lodges_in_Ottoman_State_ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.librakitap.com.tr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=820&Itemid=105 | title=Osmanlı Coğrafyasındaki Hintli Mutasavvıflar ve Tekkeleri - Libra Kitap }}</ref> Their descendants are called "Hindis", especially in [[Istanbul]] where they have settled.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://items.ssrc.org/from-our-fellows/hindis-in-istanbul-field-notes-on-the-making-of-an-archival-subject-2/ | title="Hindis" in Istanbul: Field Notes on the Making of an Archival Subject }}</ref>


On 24 December 2020, Turkish authorities closed the website ''hamsvasser.com,'' which according to [[Pakistani]] officials, was operated by [[India]] and used propaganda against Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/705738/turkey-closes-indian-website-spreading-anti-pakistan-propaganda/|title=Turkey closes Indian website spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda|publisher=dailytimes.com.pk|date=25 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref>
More recently, the connection was increasingly fostered in the 19th and 20th centuries due to interactions between the two countries.<ref name="idsa.in" /> In 1912–1913, during the [[First Balkan War]], [[Indian Muslim]] men in the [[Red Crescent Society]] of India cared for wounded Ottoman soldiers. They were led by [[Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari]] and [[Abdur Rahman Peshawari]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-06 |title=The Indian Muslims who Helped the Ottomans During the Balkan Wars |url=https://ilmfeed.com/indian-muslims-helped-ottomans-balkan-wars/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=IlmFeed}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashraf |first=Md Umar |date=2020-04-30 |title=The Indian Subcontinent Red Crescent Society's Aid to the Ottoman State during the Balkan war in 1912 |url=https://www.heritagetimes.in/the-indian-subcontinent-red-crescent-societys-aid-to-the-ottoman-state-during-the-balkan-war-in-1912/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=Heritage Times}}</ref> During [[World War I]], the [[British Indian Empire|British Raj]] played a pivotal role in the successful Allied campaign against the [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="Kux">{{cite book |last=J. Schmidt |first=Karl |url=https://archive.org/details/atlassurveyofsou0000schm |title=An Atlas and Survey of South Asian History |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |year=1995 |url-access=registration}}</ref> In the 1920s, India extended support to [[Turkish War of Independence|Turkey's War of Independence]] and the formation of the Turkish republic. [[Mahatma Gandhi]] took a stand against the injustices inflicted on Turkey at the end of World War I.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Turkey_July_2014.pdf|title=India-Turkey Relations|website=Mea.gov.in|access-date=18 October 2017}}</ref>


==Bilateral trade relations==
Turkey recognised India after the [[Indian Independence Act 1947]], and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkiye-india-relations.en.mfa|title=Türkiye - India Political Relations|publisher=Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> During the [[Cold War]], Turkey was part of the [[Western Bloc]] and India was part of the [[Non-Aligned Movement]]. Since the end of the Cold War, both sides have worked to develop their relations.
==Issues==
 
Relations between India and Turkey have been strained due to Turkey's continued support for [[Pakistani]] stand on the [[Kashmir dispute]], despite Indian attempts to "appease" Turkey, as seen in [[Operation Dost]], a [[rescue|search and rescue operation]] initiated by India to aid Syria and Turkey after the [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DNA Explainer: What is Operation Dost, India's massive humanitarian aid for Turkey-Syria earthquake? |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/explainer/report-dna-explainer-what-is-operation-dost-india-s-massive-humanitarian-aid-for-turkey-turkiye-syria-earthquake-3022281 |access-date=9 February 2023 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/Turkey%E2%80%99s-new-found-%E2%80%98dost%E2%80%99-will-hurt-Pakistan-badly/201593|title=Turkey's new found 'dost' will hurt Pakistan badly|date=31 August 2022 |access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref> Until recently, Turkey remains a vocal advocate of Pakistan's position on the [[Kashmir dispute]].<ref name="Colakoglu">{{cite web|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/columnist/3649/turkey-india-relations-in-the-framework-of-ankara-39-s-new-south-asian-strategy.html|title=Turkey-India Relations in the Framework of Ankara's New South Asian Strategy|website=Turkishweekly.net|access-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511202129/http://www.turkishweekly.net/columnist/3649/turkey-india-relations-in-the-framework-of-ankara-39-s-new-south-asian-strategy.html|archive-date=11 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Turkey was also the only opponent to India's inclusion into the [[Nuclear Suppliers Group]] other than [[China]].<ref name=":1">[https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/india-and-turkey-friends-again/ "India and Turkey: Friends Again?"], ''The Diplomat'', 19 July 2013</ref>
 
On [[Afghanistan]], Turkey had taken the lead in 2011 to begin the Istanbul Process to find meaningful and sustainable solutions to Afghanistan's problems. The Istanbul Process culminated in the annual "Heart of Asia" regional conference on Afghanistan held in [[Kazakhstan]]'s former capital, [[Almaty]], with both India and Turkey playing important roles. In the context of the planned 2014 withdrawal of [[NATO]] and US troops from Afghanistan, the need for Delhi and Ankara to intensify dialogue over Afghanistan has acquired a particular importance.<ref name=":1" />
 
=== 2019 ===
In September 2019, Turkey had criticized India on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the revocation of article 370. It made vocal comments against India at the United Nations, publicly favouring the position of Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/939466/jammu-and-kashmir-criticisms-by-turkey-and-malaysia-at-unga-were-biased-claims-india|title=Jammu and Kashmir: Criticism by Turkey and Malaysia at UNGA were biased, claims India|date=4 October 2019 |access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref> A diplomatic rift emerged, and in return India condemned Turkey for its [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|military offensive into north-eastern Syria]], claiming it would undermine regional stability and the fight against terrorism. India also called upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.<ref>{{cite news |title=India slams Turkey for its 'unilateral military offensive' in northeast Syria|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-slams-turkey-for-its-unilateral-military-offensive-in-northeast-syria/articleshow/71520852.cms |date=10 October 2019 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> On 24 December 2020, Turkish authorities shut down a website which according to Pakistani officials, was operated by India and used for propaganda against Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/705738/turkey-closes-indian-website-spreading-anti-pakistan-propaganda/|title=Turkey closes Indian website spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda|publisher=dailytimes.com.pk|date=25 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> However, Turkey has repeatedly condemned attacks on Indian forces by [[Naxalite]]s during the [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2018/05/21/turkey-condemns-terror-attack-that-killed-7-policemen-in-eastern-india | title=Turkey condemns terror attack that killed 7 policemen in eastern India | website=[[Daily Sabah]] | date=21 May 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://turkishpress.com/turkey-condemns-deadly-maoist-attack-in-india/ | title=Turkey condemns deadly Maoist attack in India | work=TurkishPress | date=4 April 2021 }}</ref> which India has claimed have links to groups involved in the [[Maoist insurgency in Turkey]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/naxals-maintaining-close-links-with-filipino-turkish-groups-113081401175_1.html | title='Naxals maintaining close links with Filipino, Turkish groups' | newspaper=Business Standard India | date=14 August 2013 | agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>
 
=== 2025 ===
 
In May 2025, a diplomatic rift between India and Turkey erupted after [[2025 India–Pakistan conflict|Operation Sindoor]], in which Turkey reportedly supplied over three hundred and fifty drones and two military operatives to Pakistan during its conflict with India, sparking public outrage across India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=Turkey helped Pak attack India, sent 350+ drones, military operatives |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/turkey-helped-pak-army-plan-attack-on-india-supplied-350-drones-military-operatives-sources-2724565-2025-05-14 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> In response, Indian citizens, celebrities, and businesses launched widespread economic boycotts, especially targeting tourism-major travel platforms that reported a 60% drop in bookings to Turkey and a 250% surge in cancellations, while industry bodies such as the Travel Agents Association of India ceased promoting Turkish destinations.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-15 |title=Indians launch Track-II offensive as Turkey repays Op Dost with drones |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/boycott-turkey-azerbaijan-india-make-my-trip-business-trade-boycott-ankara-supported-pakistan-drone-personnel-2724723-2025-05-15 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-16 |title=Backlash for support to Pakistan: Indians cancel trips to Turkey, Azerbaijan; travel portals report big dip |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/backlash-for-support-to-pakistan-amid-india-operation-sindoor-indians-cancel-trips-to-turkey-azerbaijan-travel-ports-report-big-dip/articleshow/121178828.cms |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-15 |title=A million-dollar hit? India's travel boycott rocks Turkey, Azerbaijan tourism industry |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/brandwagon-a-million-dollar-hit-indias-travel-boycott-rocks-turkey-azerbaijan-tourism-industry-3845462/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref> This backlash strained broader economic and diplomatic ties, with Indian traders shunning Turkish goods and universities like [[Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi|Jawaharlal Nehru University]] suspending academic partnerships.<ref name=":2" /> However, contrary to what Indian media outlets claimed, Indians made up for less than 1% of Turkey's foreign visitors, a small share.<ref name="Nikita Yadav">{{Cite web |date=16 May 2025 |title=Indians urge Turkey boycott amid regional tensions |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62v774d6l0o |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=BBC}}</ref>
 
Amid the tensions, the protocol division of India's [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs]] (MEA) postponed the credentials ceremony for the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to India which was scheduled for 15 May 2025. The MEA announced that the ceremony had been deferred citing "scheduling issues."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhattacherjee |first=Kallol |date=2025-05-15 |title=Amid tension, MEA postpones credentials ceremony featuring Turkish ambassador |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-tension-mea-postpones-credentials-ceremony-featuring-turkish-ambassador/article69579958.ece |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Turkey: Indians urge travel boycott amid support to Pakistan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62v774d6l0o |website=www.bbc.com |access-date=16 May 2025 |date=16 May 2025}}</ref> Additionally, India revoked security clearance for the Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation Holding.<ref>{{Cite news |title=India revokes Celebi security clearance over Turkish support for Pakistan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-revokes-security-clearance-turkeys-celebi-2025-05-15/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515192004/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-revokes-security-clearance-turkeys-celebi-2025-05-15/ |archive-date=15 May 2025 |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=Reuters |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> India’s aviation regulator, the [[Bureau of Civil Aviation Security]] (BCAS), suspended Çelebi’s security clearance indefinitely on May 15, citing safety concerns over its presence in secure airside areas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-18 |title=Why India grounding Turkish aviation firm Celebi is a seismic security shift |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-india-grounding-turkish-aviation-firm-celebi-is-a-seismic-security-shift-2726681-2025-05-18 |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>  The revocation erased nearly $200 million in shareholder value and slashed a third of the Turkish company’s global revenue. Shares of Çelebi Hava Servisi AS plunged 20% over two trading sessions, dropping 222 points to 2,002 lira on May 16.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-18 |title=Turkey's Çelebi loses India in a day: $200 million gone, staff axed, and no return in sight - BusinessToday |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/turkeys-celebi-loses-india-in-a-day-200-million-gone-staff-axed-and-no-return-in-sight-476714-2025-05-18 |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Dhwani Pandya |title=Indian boycott of Turkish coffee, chocolates and fashion grows |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-boycott-turkish-coffee-chocolates-fashion-grows-2025-05-19/ |website=Reuters |access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref>
 
Contrary to the sporadic tensions between both countries, economic ties continued to grow. India has a trade surplus over Turkey that benefits India more than Turkey.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Kirti Sharma |title=What India Imports and Exports to Turkey? Check List Here As Per International Trade |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/what-india-imports-and-exports-to-turkey-list-as-per-international-trade-1747386936-1 |website=Jagran Josh |access-date=16 May 2025}}</ref> Ideologically both countries share many similarities with conservative-populist governments.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Shashi Tharoor |title=The Modi-Erdogan parallel |url=https://qantara.de/en/article/comparison-india-and-turkey-modi-erdogan-parallel |website=Qantara.de |access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Sonikka Loganathan |title=How Turkey's economic and political trajectory compares to India |url=https://www.thehindu.com/podcast/how-turkeys-economic-and-political-trajectory-compares-to-india-data-point-podcast/article66997358.ece |website=The Hindu |date=22 June 2023 |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref> Both India and Turkey has cordial ties with [[Second presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]], the Gulf countries, and Russia; and both countries continues to face terrorism within their borders. In addition, Turkey has shown interest to join [[BRICS]]; Turkey will need approval from India to officially join. India has asked both China and Turkey to use their influence on Pakistan to end the latter's support for cross-border terrorism in Indian soil.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Shubhajit Roy |title='Be sensitive to our concerns, basis for ties': India to Turkey and China after their equipment was used by Pak during military conflict |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/be-sensitive-to-our-concerns-basis-for-ties-india-to-turkey-china-10023030/ |website=Indian Express |access-date=23 May 2025}}</ref>
 
In October, India did not attend the [[Republic Day (Turkey)|Turkish Republic Day]] celebrations hosted by the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi. The decision was reportedly influenced by Ankara’s support for Pakistan during the May Conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacob |first=Jayanth |date=2025-10-29 |title=Centre skips Turkey's national day celebrations held in Delhi, deepens relationship with Cyprus |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/29/centre-skips-turkeys-national-day-celebrations-held-in-delhi-deepens-relationship-with-cyprus |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
In November, [[Boeing]] had to reportedly work out a new alternate supply route after Turkey tried to block the supply of [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|Apache helicopters]] to India by refusing to allow the cargo aircraft transporting the helicopters through its airspace.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-11-13 |title=Turkey blocks transport of Apache choppers to India through its airspace, new route being worked out |url=https://theprint.in/?p=2783335 |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
==Trade relations==
[[File:Embassy of India in Ankara 01.JPG|thumb|Entrance plate at Embassy of India in Ankara]]
[[File:Embassy of India in Ankara 01.JPG|thumb|Entrance plate at Embassy of India in Ankara]]
The bilateral trade relations started its new phase and both sides emphasised the importance of developing bilateral cooperation programmes with the aim to enhance their commercial relations on a mutually beneficial and sustainable basis. However, as the world's second-most populous country, [[India]]'s progress in gaining importance in the global economy and international politics since the 1990s has led to Turkey's quest to develop a new strategy for [[South Asia]]. Turkey has also begun to prioritise India in South Asian politics while preserving its traditionally good relations with [[Pakistan]] and [[Bangladesh]]. In recent years, the relations between the two countries have warmed due to common strategic goals, and there is a growing bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, technology and commerce.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/8802373|title=Indo-Turkish Relations: A Historical Overview and Analysis|website=Academia.edu|access-date=18 October 2017|last1=Andrabi|first1=Doctor Abroo Aman}}</ref>
Turkey’s economic reliance on India is relatively limited but significant in certain sectors. India’s bilateral trade with Turkey in [[Fiscal year|Financial Year]] 2023-24 stood at $10.43 billion, with India’s exports to the country was at $6.65 billion and import at $3.78 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-10 |title=Not just tourism, India has $12 billion trade with Turkiye, Azerbaijan - Not just tourism, India has $12 billion trade with Turkiye, Azerbaijan BusinessToday |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/not-just-tourism-india-has-12-billion-trade-with-turkiye-azerbaijan-475732-2025-05-10 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> In the Financial Year 2024–25, Turkey exported goods worth $2.84 billion to India-mainly marble, gold, apples, and mineral oil-making up about 0.5% of India’s total imports, while India exported $5.2 billion to Turkey, accounting for roughly 1.5% of India’s total exports.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PRactice |first=Abhishek |date=2025-05-14 |title=India's trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan faces uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions |url=https://indbiz.gov.in/indias-trade-with-turkey-and-azerbaijan-faces-uncertainty-amid-geopolitical-tensions/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=IndBiz {{!}} Economic Diplomacy Division |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2025, India maintains a trade surplus with Turkey but Turkish exports to India have declined by over 17% due to recent diplomatic tensions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation Sindoor Fallout: How Turkey's Support for Pakistan Could Impact India-Turkey Trade |url=https://timeslife.com/life-hacks/operation-sindoor-fallout-how-turkeys-support-for-pakistan-could-impact-india-turkey-trade/articleshow/121169122.html |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Timeslife |language=en}}</ref> India's overall merchandise trade with Turkey contracted to nearly 63% in Financial year 2024-25 from Financial Year 2022-23 levels, from a positive trade balance of $5,400.85 million in FY22-23 to $2,721.9 million in FY24-25.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-15 |title=Trade with Turkiye was down to 63% from FY22-23 levels well before Operation Sindoor - CNBC TV18 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/economy/india-trade-with-turkey-azerbaijan-was-down-well-before-operation-sindoor-ws-e-19604859.htm |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=CNBCTV18 |language=en}}</ref>


On 18 March 2012, [[Burak Akçapar]], [[Ambassador|Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in India]], announced that Turkey sought to double flights from India and open four more connecting points. Other destinations considered are [[Hyderabad]], [[Chennai]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Bengaluru, India|Bengaluru]]. At present, [[Turkish Airlines]] operates daily flights from Mumbai and New Delhi to Istanbul. A joint study on a [[free trade area]] was conducted, but is yet to be signed. He also announced that consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad, in South India, are planned to be started, as permission had been gained from the Indian government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article3008905.ece?homepage=true|title=Turkey to double flights from India|author=K.V. Kurmanath|work=[[Business Line]]|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref>
On 18 March 2012, [[Burak Akçapar]], [[Ambassador|Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in India]], announced that Turkey sought to double flights from India and open four more connecting points. Other destinations considered are [[Hyderabad]], [[Chennai]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Bengaluru, India|Bengaluru]]. At present, [[Turkish Airlines]] operates daily flights from Mumbai and New Delhi to Istanbul. A joint study on a [[free trade area]] was conducted, but is yet to be signed. He also announced that consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad, in South India, are planned to be started, as permission had been gained from the Indian government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article3008905.ece?homepage=true|title=Turkey to double flights from India|author=K.V. Kurmanath|work=[[Business Line]]|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref>


===Investments===
===Investments===
More than 150 companies with Indian capital have registered businesses in Turkey in the form of joint-ventures, trade and representative offices. These include M/s [[Polyplex]], [[GMR Group|GMR Infrastructure]], [[TATA Motors]], [[Mahindra & Mahindra]], [[Reliance Industries|Reliance]], [[JSW Ispat|Ispat]], [[Aditya Birla Group]], [[Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited|Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd]], [[Jain Irrigation]], [[Wipro]] and [[Dabur]]. Turkey ranks 41st overall in terms of [[Foreign direct investment|FDI]] inflows to India. Cumulative Turkish direct investment into India amounts to US$ 87.18 million (April 2000 – April 2014).
More than 150 companies with Indian capital have registered businesses in Turkey in the form of joint-ventures, trade and representative offices. These include M/s [[Polyplex]], [[GMR Group|GMR Infrastructure]], [[TATA Motors]], [[Mahindra & Mahindra]], [[Reliance Industries|Reliance]], [[JSW Ispat|Ispat]], [[Aditya Birla Group]], [[Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited|Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd]], [[Jain Irrigation]], [[Wipro]], [[Sequent Scientific]] and [[Dabur]]. Turkey ranks 41st overall in terms of [[Foreign direct investment|FDI]] inflows to India. Cumulative Turkish direct investment into India amounts to US$87.18 million (April 2000 – April 2014).
 
India's [[GMR Group]] is one of the main stakeholders in the new [[Sabiha Gökçen International Airport]] in [[Istanbul]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Amit Mitra |title=GMR to remain invested in Istanbul airport |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/gmr-to-remain-invested-in-istanbul-airport/article5478308.ece |access-date=19 July 2015 |work=[[Business Line]]}}</ref>
 
Both the countries are members of the [[G20 industrial nations|G20]] group of major economies, where the two countries have closely cooperated on the management of the world economy. Bilateral trade in July 2012 stood at US$7.5 billion, a figure that is expected to double to US$15 billion by 2015.


==Cooperation in Space Technology==
==Cooperation in space technology==
Turkey's first nano [[satellite]] "[[ITUpSAT1]]", manufactured at the [[Istanbul Technical University]]'s Faculty of Aeronautics was sent to space on a [[PSLV]] C-14 rocket by the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) on 23 September 2009. The satellite orbited the earth at an altitude of 720 kilometres and had the capacity to take continental photos. Its orbital life was six months. Turkey is keen to expand cooperation in space technology with India.<ref name="mea.gov.in"/>
On 23 September 2009, a [[PSLV]] C-14 rocket from the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] launched Turkey's first nanosatellite, [[ITUpSAT1]].<ref>{{Citation |last=Aman Andrabi |first=Abroo |title=Indo-Turkish Relations: A Historical Overview and Analysis |date=October 2014 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268775031}}</ref>


==Defence cooperation==
== Defence cooperation ==
[[File:Admiral E Murat Bilgel, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces receiving a Guard of Honour from the Indian Navy.jpg|thumb|Admiral E Murat Bilgel, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, accorded with a guard of honour by the Indian Navy at South Block lawn, New Delhi.]]
[[File:Admiral E Murat Bilgel, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces receiving a Guard of Honour from the Indian Navy.jpg|thumb|Admiral E Murat Bilgel, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, accorded with a guard of honour by the Indian Navy at South Block lawn, New Delhi.]]
[[File:INS Trikand entering Istanbul, Turkey.jpg|thumb|INS Trikand entering Istanbul, Turkey; 4 October 2015.]]
[[File:INS Trikand entering Istanbul, Turkey.jpg|thumb|INS Trikand entering Istanbul, Turkey; 4 October 2015.]]
During the visit of Prime Minister [[Turgut Ozal]] to India in 1986, it was agreed that the two embassies will house [[Defence Attaché]] office. During the visit of Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee|Vajpayee]] in September 2003, it was decided that Defence Ministers of both countries should remain in closer touch. India conveyed its willingness to expand military to military contacts, and mutual exchange of delegations to training facilities. During the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Erdoğan]] to India in November 2008, both prime ministers agreed to enhance cooperation between the two defence forces.<ref name="mea.gov.in"/> As far as the [[military exercises]] between India and Turkey is concerned, there has been a regular but a low profile passage exercises (PASSEX) between the Navies of the two countries.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.japss.org/upload/8.Hussain.pdf|journal=Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences|year=2011|volume=3|pages=635–655|title=Forging a New Partnership: India and Turkey|author=Mohammad Samir Hussain}}</ref>
During the visit of Prime Minister [[Turgut Ozal]] to India in 1986, it was agreed that the two embassies will house [[Defence Attaché]] office. During the visit of Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee|Vajpayee]] in September 2003, it was decided that Defence Ministers of both countries should remain in closer touch. India conveyed its willingness to expand military to military contacts, and mutual exchange of delegations to training facilities. During the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan|Erdoğan]] to India in November 2008, both prime ministers agreed to enhance cooperation between the two defence forces.<ref name="mea.gov.in"/> As far as the [[military exercises]] between India and Turkey is concerned, there has been a regular but a low profile passage exercises (PASSEX) between the Navies of the two countries.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.japss.org/upload/8.Hussain.pdf|journal=Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences|year=2011|volume=3|pages=635–655|title=Forging a New Partnership: India and Turkey|author=Mohammad Samir Hussain|access-date=19 September 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040955/http://www.japss.org/upload/8.Hussain.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 60: Line 70:
* [[Foreign relations of India]]
* [[Foreign relations of India]]
* [[Foreign relations of Turkey]]
* [[Foreign relations of Turkey]]
{{-}}
* [[Operation Dost]]
* [[Khilafat Movement]]
{{Clear}}


==References==
==References==
Line 66: Line 78:


==Other sources==
==Other sources==
* [http://www.idsa.in/system/files/IB_IndiaTurkeyRelations.pdf Mehmet Ozkan, Can the Rise of ‘New’ Turkey Lead to a ‘New’ Era in India-Turkey Relations?, IDSA Issue Brief, September 2010.]
* [http://www.idsa.in/system/files/IB_IndiaTurkeyRelations.pdf Mehmet Ozkan, Can the Rise of 'New' Turkey Lead to a 'New' Era in India-Turkey Relations?], IDSA Issue Brief, September 2010 (PDF).


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.indembassy.org.tr/ Embassy of India in Turkey]
* [http://www.indembassy.org.tr/ Embassy of India in Turkey]
* [http://turkey.visahq.com/embassy/India/ Embassy of Turkey in India]
* [http://turkey.visahq.com/embassy/India/ Embassy of Turkey in India]
* [http://www.mfa.gov.tr/default.en.mfa Consulate of Turkey in Mumbai]
* [https://mumbai-bk.mfa.gov.tr/ Consulate of Turkey in Mumbai]


{{Foreign relations of India}}
{{Foreign relations of India}}

Latest revision as of 13:12, 1 January 2026

Indian-Turkish relations
Map indicating locations of India and Turkey

India
Turkey
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of India, AnkaraEmbassy of Turkey, New Delhi
Envoy
Indian Ambassador to Turkey Shri Muktesh PardeshiTurkish Ambassador to India Ali Murat Ersoy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, May 1, 2017

India–Turkey relations, also known as the Indo-Turkish relations, are the bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Türkiye. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Turkey in 1948, political and bilateral relations have been usually characterized by warmth and cordiality, although some sporadic tensions remain due to Turkey's support for Pakistani stand on Kashmir and India's support for Armenia, Greece and Cyprus in return.[1][2] India has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate–general in Istanbul. Turkey has an embassy in New Delhi and consulate-generals in Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. As of 2019, the bilateral trade between India and Turkey stood at US$7.8 billion.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

Economic and cultural relations between ancient India and Anatolia date back to the Vedic age (before 1500 BCE).[4]

In the Second Persian invasion of Greece, Indians were employed in the Achaemenid army of Xerxes. All troops were stationed in Sardis, Lydia, during the winter of 481-480 BCE to prepare for the invasion.[5][6] In the spring of 480 BCE "Indian troops marched with Xerxes's army across the Hellespont".[7][8]

In 1212, the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum was gifted a colony in Koothanallur from the Chola Emperor of Tamilakam.[9] The first exchange of diplomatic missions between the Ottoman Sultans and the Muslim rulers of the sub-continent dates back to the years 1481–82. Ottoman expeditions to the sultanates of Gujarat, Bijapur, and Ahmednagar were motivated by mutual anti-Portuguese sentiment; Ottoman artillery contributed to the fall of the pro-Portuguese Vijayanagara Empire.[10] Turkish-Indian relations soured when the Mughals conquered most of India, since the Mughal Empire was a symbolic threat to the Ottoman Empire's position as the universal caliphate, despite contemplation for a Mughal-Ottoman-Uzbek alliance against Iran.[10][11] After the Mughal Empire collapsed, Muslim rulers of Mysore like Tipu Sultan sought Ottoman aid in driving out the British, but the Ottomans were weakened by wars with Russia and in no position to help.[12]

From the 15th to the 19th century, Indian Dervishes came to the Ottoman Empire and built Tekke, the so-called Hintli Tekkeler. Their names are recorded in the Ottoman archives.[13][14] Their descendants are called "Hindis", especially in Istanbul where they have settled.[15]

More recently, the connection was increasingly fostered in the 19th and 20th centuries due to interactions between the two countries.[1] In 1912–1913, during the First Balkan War, Indian Muslim men in the Red Crescent Society of India cared for wounded Ottoman soldiers. They were led by Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari and Abdur Rahman Peshawari.[16][17] During World War I, the British Raj played a pivotal role in the successful Allied campaign against the Ottoman Empire.[18] In the 1920s, India extended support to Turkey's War of Independence and the formation of the Turkish republic. Mahatma Gandhi took a stand against the injustices inflicted on Turkey at the end of World War I.[19]

Turkey recognised India after the Indian Independence Act 1947, and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.[20] During the Cold War, Turkey was part of the Western Bloc and India was part of the Non-Aligned Movement. Since the end of the Cold War, both sides have worked to develop their relations.

Issues[edit | edit source]

Relations between India and Turkey have been strained due to Turkey's continued support for Pakistani stand on the Kashmir dispute, despite Indian attempts to "appease" Turkey, as seen in Operation Dost, a search and rescue operation initiated by India to aid Syria and Turkey after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes.[21][22] Until recently, Turkey remains a vocal advocate of Pakistan's position on the Kashmir dispute.[23] Turkey was also the only opponent to India's inclusion into the Nuclear Suppliers Group other than China.[24]

On Afghanistan, Turkey had taken the lead in 2011 to begin the Istanbul Process to find meaningful and sustainable solutions to Afghanistan's problems. The Istanbul Process culminated in the annual "Heart of Asia" regional conference on Afghanistan held in Kazakhstan's former capital, Almaty, with both India and Turkey playing important roles. In the context of the planned 2014 withdrawal of NATO and US troops from Afghanistan, the need for Delhi and Ankara to intensify dialogue over Afghanistan has acquired a particular importance.[24]

2019[edit | edit source]

In September 2019, Turkey had criticized India on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the revocation of article 370. It made vocal comments against India at the United Nations, publicly favouring the position of Pakistan.[25] A diplomatic rift emerged, and in return India condemned Turkey for its military offensive into north-eastern Syria, claiming it would undermine regional stability and the fight against terrorism. India also called upon Turkey to exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.[26] On 24 December 2020, Turkish authorities shut down a website which according to Pakistani officials, was operated by India and used for propaganda against Pakistan.[27] However, Turkey has repeatedly condemned attacks on Indian forces by Naxalites during the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency,[28][29] which India has claimed have links to groups involved in the Maoist insurgency in Turkey.[30]

2025[edit | edit source]

In May 2025, a diplomatic rift between India and Turkey erupted after Operation Sindoor, in which Turkey reportedly supplied over three hundred and fifty drones and two military operatives to Pakistan during its conflict with India, sparking public outrage across India.[31] In response, Indian citizens, celebrities, and businesses launched widespread economic boycotts, especially targeting tourism-major travel platforms that reported a 60% drop in bookings to Turkey and a 250% surge in cancellations, while industry bodies such as the Travel Agents Association of India ceased promoting Turkish destinations.[32][33][34] This backlash strained broader economic and diplomatic ties, with Indian traders shunning Turkish goods and universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University suspending academic partnerships.[32] However, contrary to what Indian media outlets claimed, Indians made up for less than 1% of Turkey's foreign visitors, a small share.[35]

Amid the tensions, the protocol division of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) postponed the credentials ceremony for the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to India which was scheduled for 15 May 2025. The MEA announced that the ceremony had been deferred citing "scheduling issues."[36][37] Additionally, India revoked security clearance for the Turkish firm Çelebi Aviation Holding.[38] India’s aviation regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), suspended Çelebi’s security clearance indefinitely on May 15, citing safety concerns over its presence in secure airside areas.[39] The revocation erased nearly $200 million in shareholder value and slashed a third of the Turkish company’s global revenue. Shares of Çelebi Hava Servisi AS plunged 20% over two trading sessions, dropping 222 points to 2,002 lira on May 16.[40][41]

Contrary to the sporadic tensions between both countries, economic ties continued to grow. India has a trade surplus over Turkey that benefits India more than Turkey.[42] Ideologically both countries share many similarities with conservative-populist governments.[43][44] Both India and Turkey has cordial ties with Trump administration, the Gulf countries, and Russia; and both countries continues to face terrorism within their borders. In addition, Turkey has shown interest to join BRICS; Turkey will need approval from India to officially join. India has asked both China and Turkey to use their influence on Pakistan to end the latter's support for cross-border terrorism in Indian soil.[45]

In October, India did not attend the Turkish Republic Day celebrations hosted by the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi. The decision was reportedly influenced by Ankara’s support for Pakistan during the May Conflict.[46]

In November, Boeing had to reportedly work out a new alternate supply route after Turkey tried to block the supply of Apache helicopters to India by refusing to allow the cargo aircraft transporting the helicopters through its airspace.[47]

Trade relations[edit | edit source]

Entrance plate at Embassy of India in Ankara

Turkey’s economic reliance on India is relatively limited but significant in certain sectors. India’s bilateral trade with Turkey in Financial Year 2023-24 stood at $10.43 billion, with India’s exports to the country was at $6.65 billion and import at $3.78 billion.[48] In the Financial Year 2024–25, Turkey exported goods worth $2.84 billion to India-mainly marble, gold, apples, and mineral oil-making up about 0.5% of India’s total imports, while India exported $5.2 billion to Turkey, accounting for roughly 1.5% of India’s total exports.[49] As of 2025, India maintains a trade surplus with Turkey but Turkish exports to India have declined by over 17% due to recent diplomatic tensions.[50] India's overall merchandise trade with Turkey contracted to nearly 63% in Financial year 2024-25 from Financial Year 2022-23 levels, from a positive trade balance of $5,400.85 million in FY22-23 to $2,721.9 million in FY24-25.[51]

On 18 March 2012, Burak Akçapar, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in India, announced that Turkey sought to double flights from India and open four more connecting points. Other destinations considered are Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. At present, Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Mumbai and New Delhi to Istanbul. A joint study on a free trade area was conducted, but is yet to be signed. He also announced that consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad, in South India, are planned to be started, as permission had been gained from the Indian government.[52]

Investments[edit | edit source]

More than 150 companies with Indian capital have registered businesses in Turkey in the form of joint-ventures, trade and representative offices. These include M/s Polyplex, GMR Infrastructure, TATA Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance, Ispat, Aditya Birla Group, Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd, Jain Irrigation, Wipro, Sequent Scientific and Dabur. Turkey ranks 41st overall in terms of FDI inflows to India. Cumulative Turkish direct investment into India amounts to US$87.18 million (April 2000 – April 2014).

India's GMR Group is one of the main stakeholders in the new Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Istanbul.[53]

Both the countries are members of the G20 group of major economies, where the two countries have closely cooperated on the management of the world economy. Bilateral trade in July 2012 stood at US$7.5 billion, a figure that is expected to double to US$15 billion by 2015.

Cooperation in space technology[edit | edit source]

On 23 September 2009, a PSLV C-14 rocket from the Indian Space Research Organisation launched Turkey's first nanosatellite, ITUpSAT1.[54]

Defence cooperation[edit | edit source]

Admiral E Murat Bilgel, Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, accorded with a guard of honour by the Indian Navy at South Block lawn, New Delhi.
INS Trikand entering Istanbul, Turkey; 4 October 2015.

During the visit of Prime Minister Turgut Ozal to India in 1986, it was agreed that the two embassies will house Defence Attaché office. During the visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee in September 2003, it was decided that Defence Ministers of both countries should remain in closer touch. India conveyed its willingness to expand military to military contacts, and mutual exchange of delegations to training facilities. During the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan to India in November 2008, both prime ministers agreed to enhance cooperation between the two defence forces.[2] As far as the military exercises between India and Turkey is concerned, there has been a regular but a low profile passage exercises (PASSEX) between the Navies of the two countries.[55]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Can the Rise of 'New' Turkey Lead to a 'New' Era in India-Turkey Relations?" (PDF). Idsa.in. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "India-Turkey Relations : Executive Summary" (PDF). Mea.gov.in. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  3. ↑ "Türkiye-India Economic and Trade Relations". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  4. ↑ Shyam Chaurasia, Radhey (May 2002). History of Ancient India: Earliest Times to 1000 A. D. Atlantic Publishers & Dist, 2002. ISBN 9788126900275.
  5. ↑ Stoneman, Richard (2015). Xerxes: A Persian Life. Yale University Press. p. 118. ISBN 9780300180077.
  6. ↑ Herodotus. LacusCurtius • Herodotus — Book VII: Chapters 1‑56. pp. VII-26.
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Where was Achaemenid India
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CB7
  9. ↑ Shaq (17 January 2012). "The Simble Investor: Koothanallur- A brief history of my home town". The Simble Investor. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Casale, Giancarlo (28 January 2010). The Ottoman Age of Exploration. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195377828.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-537782-8.
  11. ↑ Farooqi, Naimur Rahman (1989). Mughal-Ottoman Relations: A Study of Political & Diplomatic Relations Between Mughal India and the Ottoman Empire, 1556-1748. Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Delli.
  12. ↑ Özcan, Azmi (1997). Pan-Islamism: Indian Muslims, the Ottomans and Britain, 1877-1924. BRILL. ISBN 978-90-04-10632-1.
  13. ↑ i̇Şlek, Ali Emre (January 2020). "Osmanlı Devleti'nde Hindî Tekkeleri (Indian Dervish Lodges in Ottoman State)". Doktora Tezi. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  14. ↑ "Osmanlı Coğrafyasındaki Hintli Mutasavvıflar ve Tekkeleri - Libra Kitap".
  15. ↑ ""Hindis" in Istanbul: Field Notes on the Making of an Archival Subject".
  16. ↑ "The Indian Muslims who Helped the Ottomans During the Balkan Wars". IlmFeed. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  17. ↑ Ashraf, Md Umar (30 April 2020). "The Indian Subcontinent Red Crescent Society's Aid to the Ottoman State during the Balkan war in 1912". Heritage Times. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  18. ↑ J. Schmidt, Karl (1995). An Atlas and Survey of South Asian History. M.E. Sharpe.
  19. ↑ "India-Turkey Relations" (PDF). Mea.gov.in. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  20. ↑ "Türkiye - India Political Relations". Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  21. ↑ "DNA Explainer: What is Operation Dost, India's massive humanitarian aid for Turkey-Syria earthquake?". DNA India. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  22. ↑ "Turkey's new found 'dost' will hurt Pakistan badly". 31 August 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  23. ↑ "Turkey-India Relations in the Framework of Ankara's New South Asian Strategy". Turkishweekly.net. Archived from the original on 11 May 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "India and Turkey: Friends Again?", The Diplomat, 19 July 2013
  25. ↑ "Jammu and Kashmir: Criticism by Turkey and Malaysia at UNGA were biased, claims India". 4 October 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  26. ↑ "India slams Turkey for its 'unilateral military offensive' in northeast Syria". The Times of India. 10 October 2019.
  27. ↑ "Turkey closes Indian website spreading anti-Pakistan propaganda". dailytimes.com.pk. 25 December 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  28. ↑ "Turkey condemns terror attack that killed 7 policemen in eastern India". Daily Sabah. 21 May 2018.
  29. ↑ "Turkey condemns deadly Maoist attack in India". TurkishPress. 4 April 2021.
  30. ↑ "'Naxals maintaining close links with Filipino, Turkish groups'". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 14 August 2013.
  31. ↑ "Turkey helped Pak attack India, sent 350+ drones, military operatives". India Today. 14 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Indians launch Track-II offensive as Turkey repays Op Dost with drones". India Today. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  33. ↑ "Backlash for support to Pakistan: Indians cancel trips to Turkey, Azerbaijan; travel portals report big dip". The Times of India. 16 May 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  34. ↑ "A million-dollar hit? India's travel boycott rocks Turkey, Azerbaijan tourism industry". Financialexpress. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  35. ↑ "Indians urge Turkey boycott amid regional tensions". BBC. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  36. ↑ Bhattacherjee, Kallol (15 May 2025). "Amid tension, MEA postpones credentials ceremony featuring Turkish ambassador". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  37. ↑ "Turkey: Indians urge travel boycott amid support to Pakistan". www.bbc.com. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  38. ↑ "India revokes Celebi security clearance over Turkish support for Pakistan". Reuters. Archived from the original on 15 May 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  39. ↑ "Why India grounding Turkish aviation firm Celebi is a seismic security shift". India Today. 18 May 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  40. ↑ "Turkey's Çelebi loses India in a day: $200 million gone, staff axed, and no return in sight - BusinessToday". Business Today. 18 May 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  41. ↑ Dhwani Pandya. "Indian boycott of Turkish coffee, chocolates and fashion grows". Reuters. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  42. ↑ Kirti Sharma. "What India Imports and Exports to Turkey? Check List Here As Per International Trade". Jagran Josh. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  43. ↑ Shashi Tharoor. "The Modi-Erdogan parallel". Qantara.de. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  44. ↑ Sonikka Loganathan (22 June 2023). "How Turkey's economic and political trajectory compares to India". The Hindu. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  45. ↑ Shubhajit Roy. "'Be sensitive to our concerns, basis for ties': India to Turkey and China after their equipment was used by Pak during military conflict". Indian Express. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  46. ↑ Jacob, Jayanth (29 October 2025). "Centre skips Turkey's national day celebrations held in Delhi, deepens relationship with Cyprus". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  47. ↑ Philip, Snehesh Alex (13 November 2025). "Turkey blocks transport of Apache choppers to India through its airspace, new route being worked out". ThePrint. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
  48. ↑ "Not just tourism, India has $12 billion trade with Turkiye, Azerbaijan - Not just tourism, India has $12 billion trade with Turkiye, Azerbaijan BusinessToday". Business Today. 10 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  49. ↑ PRactice, Abhishek (14 May 2025). "India's trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan faces uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions". IndBiz | Economic Diplomacy Division. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  50. ↑ "Operation Sindoor Fallout: How Turkey's Support for Pakistan Could Impact India-Turkey Trade". Timeslife. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  51. ↑ "Trade with Turkiye was down to 63% from FY22-23 levels well before Operation Sindoor - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  52. ↑ K.V. Kurmanath. "Turkey to double flights from India". Business Line. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  53. ↑ Amit Mitra. "GMR to remain invested in Istanbul airport". Business Line. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  54. ↑ Aman Andrabi, Abroo (October 2014), Indo-Turkish Relations: A Historical Overview and Analysis
  55. ↑ Mohammad Samir Hussain (2011). "Forging a New Partnership: India and Turkey" (PDF). Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences. 3: 635–655. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2015.

Other sources[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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