Erdogan Dismisses Boycott Calls, Doubles Down on Support for ‘Brother’ Pakistan
Even as calls for a boycott of Turkey grow louder across India, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed unwavering support for Pakistan, describing the bilateral relationship as a rare and “true brotherhood.” His remarks came amid heightened tensions following Pakistan’s recent military confrontation with India, during which Turkish drones and military personnel were allegedly involved.
Despite the trending #BoycottTurkey movement in India — sparked by public outrage over Turkey’s military support to Pakistan — Erdogan appeared unmoved. In a message to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan said Turkey would stand by Pakistan “in good times and bad,” echoing sentiments of deep-rooted solidarity.
“As in the past, we will continue to stand by you in good times and bad in the future,” Erdogan said, responding to Sharif’s note of gratitude for Turkey’s support. Erdogan further described the Turkey-Pakistan bond as “granted to very few nations in the world,” emphasizing its unique and strategic nature.
The escalation in regional tensions began after India launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) in response to the killing of 26 civilians by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. During the operation, Pakistan reportedly deployed Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB2 and YIHA drones to overwhelm Indian air defenses. Reports also confirmed the presence of Turkish operatives, with at least two being killed in the conflict.
Turkey’s military support went beyond equipment. A Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft and a warship were deployed to Pakistan, further fueling Indian concerns. Ankara’s backing has elevated Turkey as Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier after China, providing cutting-edge military platforms, including MILGEM-class corvettes, Songar drones, and F-16 upgrade assistance.
In India, the reaction has been fierce. Citizens and public figures alike have condemned Turkey’s stance, pointing to India’s humanitarian support to Turkey during the devastating 2023 earthquake through Operation Dost. “This is how they return our help — with drones and operatives against us,” said one veteran on national TV.
Tourist cancellations to Turkey from India reportedly surged by 250%, while corporate houses declared intentions to cut trade ties. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suspended an academic agreement with a Turkish university, and Bollywood filmmakers vowed to exclude Turkey from future international shoots.
However, Erdogan, in his response written in Turkish, appeared to disregard Indian outrage. He praised Pakistan’s “sensible” and “patient” diplomatic approach and lauded its focus on dialogue and reconciliation. While he did not mention India directly, the context of his statements was clear.
“Long live Pakistan-Turkey friendship,” Erdogan concluded, doubling down on a geopolitical alignment rooted in shared religious and strategic interests.
The evolving Turkey-Pakistan alliance, now reinforced through military cooperation, has only deepened India’s concerns about Ankara’s role in South Asian conflicts — especially over Kashmir, where Turkey has repeatedly taken positions aligned with Islamabad.
As India reassesses its diplomatic and trade relations with Turkey, Erdogan’s stance signals no intent to change course — even in the face of mounting backlash.
IT.
