The relationship between Turkey and India has been complex and often strained in recent years. While the two countries have a shared history and cultural connections their political and ideological differences have created significant tensions.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors contributing to the strained relationship between Turkey and India:
- Historical baggage: The Ottoman Empire’s rule over parts of India for centuries left a bitter legacy, with many Indians viewing the Turks as oppressive colonizers. This historical animosity continues to influence the present-day relationship.
- Ideological differences: Turkey’s embrace of pan-Islamism and its support for Pakistan in the Kashmir conflict clash with India’s secularism and its stance on Kashmir. These ideological differences have fueled mistrust and resentment between the two nations.
- Geopolitical rivalry: Turkey’s growing ambitions in the Middle East and Central Asia are seen by India as a threat to its own regional interests. This geopolitical rivalry has further exacerbated tensions and hindered cooperation.
- Economic competition: Both Turkey and India are emerging economic powers, competing for resources and markets. This economic competition has added another layer of complexity to the relationship.
- Political rhetoric: Inflammatory statements by leaders from both countries have further strained the relationship. These statements have fueled nationalist sentiments and made it difficult to bridge the divide.
Despite these challenges there are also areas where Turkey and India have found common ground:
- Trade and investment: Bilateral trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing in recent years. Both nations recognize the potential for economic cooperation and are exploring ways to further expand trade and investment.
- Cultural exchange: There is a growing interest in each other’s cultures, with increased tourism and educational exchanges. This cultural exchange can help bridge the gap and promote understanding between the two peoples.
- International cooperation: Turkey and India have collaborated on various international issues, such as climate change and terrorism. This cooperation demonstrates that the two countries can work together when they share common interests.
The future of the Turkey-India relationship remains uncertain. However, there are signs that both countries are willing to engage in dialogue and find ways to overcome their differences. It is hoped that through continued dialogue and cooperation, Turkey and India can build a more stable and mutually beneficial relationship.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- India-Turkey relations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Turkey_relations
- Why is Turkey against India?: https://www.quora.com/Why-is-Turkey-against-India
- Turkey-India relations: A complex and evolving partnership: https://www.mei.edu/publications/turkey-india-relations-complex-and-evolving-partnership
It’s important to note that the views expressed in the Quora answer are those of the individual author and may not represent the official position of Turkey or India.
India is strengthening relations with Turkey’s adversaries in return for Ankara supporting Pakistan on Kashmir.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on September 10 opposed the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, saying that it should not bypass Turkey.
This was expected given that many of the project’s potential beneficiaries, including Greece, have a history of animosity with Turkey. Significantly, because of Erdoğan’s support for Pakistan and position on Kashmir, Turkey’s relations with India have gotten worse recently.
Meanwhile, India’s ties with adversaries of Turkey, especially in the eastern Mediterranean, have strengthened rapidly. While some argue that Ankara’s strategy can be countered by this Indian outreach, others counter that this does not imply that these countries are banding together to undermine Turkey.
A day after some of the participating countries unveiled the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Erdoğan declared his opposition to the project. The proposed transport and connectivity corridor is aimed at boosting economic integration across these regions. “We say that there is no corridor without Turkey,” Erdoğan said. “Turkey is an important production and trade base. The most convenient line for traffic from east to west has to pass through Turkey. ”.
Turkey’s opposition to this project was not unexpected. The country straddling continental Europe and Asia has complicated ties with several nations that are expected to benefit from this project.
Cyprus and Greece are Turkey’s long-time adversaries. Greek-Turkish relations have been historically hostile and consistently tested by territorial disputes and contestations over the Aegean Sea. They also back opposing sides in a dispute that has divided Cyprus on ethnic lines. Ankara supports the Turkish Cypriots who control the northern part of the island nation and Athens supports the Greek Cypriots in the south.
Why Turkey Hates India and Loves Pakistan? Turkey Vs India | UPSC Mains GS2 IR
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