India’s Ties with Azerbaijan, Turkey Strained After Military Confrontation with Pakistan

Picture Credit: hindustantimes.com

India’s relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey have deteriorated following New Delhi’s recent military confrontation with Pakistan, as both nations voiced strong support for Islamabad. The diplomatic fallout has led to growing calls in India to boycott travel and academic exchanges with the two countries.

The tensions escalated after Azerbaijan and Turkey condemned India’s military strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with Pakistan, calling the operation an attack on civilians, while Turkey issued a similar statement. These reactions have fueled resentment in India, where both nations are seen as close allies of Islamabad.

Adding to the strain, India’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) recently terminated an academic agreement with Turkey’s Inonu University, citing national security concerns. The situation worsened after the Indian military revealed that Pakistan had used Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones to breach Indian air defenses, raising questions about Ankara’s role in bolstering Pakistan’s military capabilities.

Picture Credit: newarab.com

The diplomatic rift highlights the geopolitical complexities of India’s ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey, both of which have historically aligned with Pakistan. As nationalist sentiments rise in India, calls for economic and diplomatic distancing from these nations are gaining momentum. The long-term impact on trade, defense cooperation, and regional alliances remains uncertain, but the current friction signals a challenging phase in India’s relations with Baku and Ankara.