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Suman Kumari
The India-Turkey diplomatic scenario has suffered major strains after Operation Sindoor in May 2025. This Indian military operation, which was undertaken in the wake of a terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, resulted in heightened tensions over Turkey’s open back-up of Pakistan in the conflict. This article explores the complex consequences of this geopolitical schism on its diplomatic, economic, and social fronts.
- Diplomatic Fallout
Turkey’s siding with Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, including the reported transfer of more than 350 drones and troops, was taken by India to be a direct challenge to its sovereignty. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that relations between the two nations are based on mutual respect and sensitivity towards the other’s fundamental issues. In light of this, India delayed the credential ceremony of Turkey’s new ambassador, which was a calculated act of diplomatic distancing.
- Economic Impacts
Aviation Industry Adaptations
Following the worsening of relations, India has made bold moves to limit Turkish participation in its aviation sector. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed IndiGo to cancel its wet lease deal with Turkish Airlines by August 31, 2025. In addition, Air India is seeking options to substitute Turkish Technic, its existing maintenance contractor .
Trade Patterns
Indian-Turkish trade has seen a decline. Indian exports to Turkey between April 2024 and February 2025 were $5.2 billion, down from last year’s $6.65 billion. Turkish imports too declined to $2.84 billion from $3.78 billion .
Tourism and Consumer Behavior
Public opinion in India has translated into concrete economic measures. Travel websites such as MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip saw a 60% decline in bookings to Turkey and a 250% increase in cancellations. Additionally, Indian merchants have stopped importing Turkish products, such as marble and apples, in accordance with a nationwide boycott movement .
- Societal and Institutional Responses
Indian universities, for instance, Jamia Millia Islamia University, have stopped cooperating with their Turkish counterparts, alleging threats to national security. Such an institutional response reflects the extent of mistrust pervasive in different sections of Indian society .
- Prospects for Reconciliation
The road ahead for repairing India–Turkey relations seems to be strewn with hurdles. India has called upon Turkey to use its control over Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed that future bilateral interactions would depend on Turkey’s sensitivity to India’s security issues.
Conclusion
The consequences of Operation Sindoor have opened a chapter of increased tension between India and Turkey, characterized by diplomatic estrangement, economic decoupling, and social pushback. There are historical links and commonalities of interest, but the trajectory thus far indicates an extended duration of tense relations unless meaningful action is taken to confront the underlying issues.
References
Economic Times. (2025, May 24). India’s message to Turkey: Ties built on sensitivities. Retrieved from https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/indias-message-to-turkey-ties-built-on-sensitivities/articleshow/121346332.cms
India Today. (2025, May 23). India–Turkey relations: Going cold on Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/up-front/story/20250602-india-turkey-relations-going-cold-on-turkey-2729376-2025-05-23
Reuters. (2025, May 30). India extends IndiGo’s Turkish Airlines lease by three months. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-extends-indigos-turkish-airlines-lease-by-three-months-2025-05-30/
Times of India. (2025, June 4). Every country except Turkey called India after Pahalgam terror attack: BJP. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/every-country-except-turkey-called-india-after-pahalgam-terror-attack-bjp/articleshow/121605873.cms
Wikipedia. (2025, June 1). India–Turkey relations. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93Turkey_relations
