New Delhi: Amid escalating diplomatic tensions, India has issued a strong message to Turkey, calling on it to urge Pakistan to end alleged support for cross-border terrorism. The statement comes as New Delhi intensifies a widespread boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan over their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a military operation along India's western border.
In a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s longstanding concern over alleged Pakistan’s terror networks. “We expect Turkey to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades,” Jaiswal said, adding that bilateral relations depend on mutual sensitivity to core concerns.
The diplomatic fallout follows reports that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supplied over 350 drones and military personnel to Pakistan during the conflict. Erdogan also expressed public support for Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating Turkey would “stand by Pakistan in good times and bad.”
The consequences have been swift and significant. Indian travel companies reported a 60% drop in bookings to Turkey and over 250% rise in cancellations.
India has also cancelled a $2.3 billion shipbuilding deal with a Turkish firm. Ground-handling giant Celebi Aviation has had its security clearance revoked, while the Mumbai Airport Authority terminated its contract. Turkish companies involved in public infrastructure projects may soon be replaced by domestic or allied international firms.
