Latest news with #Turkey-Pakistan
India.com
03-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Missiles, deadly Bayraktar Drones, loitering munition: How Turkey is helping Pakistan with dangerous weapons, India can...
Erdogan and Shehbaz Sharif- File image Why is Turkey helping Pakistan with Missiles, deadly Bayraktar Drones, loitering munition: In a significant development for India and its external security, Turkey has reportedly increased its supply of weapons and drones to Pakistan by leaps and bounds after Operation Sindoor. For those unversed, India conducted Operation Sindoor against terror locations of Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in May this year. Here are all the details regarding the dangerous weapons Pakistan is getting from Turkey. Latest media reports have indicated that Turkey is providing Pakistan with dangerous weapons like KARGI Loitering Munition, Bayraktar TB2 Drone and YIHA UAVs. Turkey's move to help Pakistan is seen as a strategic alignment aimed at counterbalancing India's growing defense capabilities. As per geopolitical experts, the enhanced Turkey-Pakistan military partnership could pose new security challenges for India, particularly along the western border. The development is also being closely monitored for its potential impact on regional power dynamics and India's strategic interests. As per a report by ABP Live, Turkey, under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has given Pakistan KARGI drones (Loitering Munition), which have a range of 500 nautical miles. What should India do? With respect to India's perspective, India should be wary of the Turkey-Pakistan alliance and expose it on the international stages. Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan setup anti-India nexus The growing nexus between Islamabad-Ankara-Baku is expected to deepen and broaden further during the visit of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Azerbaijan after concluding his ongoing visit to Iran. Readers should note that Pakistan had targeted Indian civilian, military and religious sites by using Turkey's indigenously-developed armed drone system Asisguard Songar drones that were neutralised by India's strong air defences. Analysts reckon that Pakistan, cornered and left with just a handful of 'all-weather friends', is working hard to build an anti-India stand while Turkey under Erdogan tries to position itself as a Muslim world leader. (With inputs from agencies)
News18
30-06-2025
- Business
- News18
India On Alert As Turkey Steps Up Military Support To Pakistan After Operation Sindoor
Last Updated: Pakistan is acquiring 80 KARGI drones from Turkey, raising security concerns for India. Turkey, Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier, supports its military. After suffering a huge blow from the Indian side during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has been ramping up its drone arsenal and solidifying its defence ties with Turkey in what Indian officials describe as a 'dangerous and provocative military axis." According to intelligence sources, Pakistan is in advanced talks with Turkey to acquire 80 KARGI loitering munitions—autonomous drones capable of striking targets over a 500-nautical-mile radius, reaching altitudes of 15,000 feet, and delivering 18 kg warheads. The deal, estimated at $20 million, comes as part of a broader pattern of post-war replenishment, with Pakistan already receiving 50 YIHA UAVs without a formal contract and preparing to induct up to 550 more, supported by anti-jamming systems and ground control stations. The Turkey-Pakistan relationship has deepened dramatically in recent years. Based on shared geopolitical objectives and ideological leanings—particularly around Kashmir and pan-Islamic solidarity—the alliance has evolved into a full-spectrum strategic partnership. Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier after China, with Turkish arms exports to Pakistan rising 103% between 2015–2019 and 2020–2024. The key deals include: acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 drones and Kemankes cruise missiles, procurement of Asisguard Songar armed UAVs for tactical strikes, a $1.5 billion deal for four MILGEM-class corvettes to modernise Pakistan's navy and upgrades to Pakistan's Agosta 90B submarines. Turkey's Support For Pakistan During Op Sindoor Experts opine that the Pakistan-Turkey partnership continues to extend to joint ventures in satellite technology, cyber warfare, and space exploration, further complementing Pakistan's military capabilities. They view this axis as a multi-dimensional threat to India. With Pakistan investing heavily in loitering munitions, deception systems, and long-range targeting tools, India has stepped up its procurement of counter-drone systems, electronic warfare units, and is deepening security cooperation with countries like Greece and Armenia, both of which share strained ties with Turkey. First Published:
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'A message to Turkey': Why PM Modi's trip to Cyprus is significant; 7 points
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in 23 years, is being viewed in Nicosia as a diplomatic signal to Turkey, which has occupied one-third of the island since 1974 and had backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last month. PM Modi's trip, the first abroad since the recent Pakistan crisis, is seen as particularly meaningful in this context. PM Modi is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nicos Christodoulides and is being accompanied by a large delegation of around 100 officials. His stop in Cyprus is part of a three-nation tour that includes Canada for the G-7 Summit, and the first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister. The Cyprus visit is significant for multiple strategic, diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical reasons, reflecting the growing importance of Cyprus in India's broader regional and global outlook. Here are 7 key points explaining the significance of the visit: First visit by an Indian PM in over 20 years This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in more than two decades, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening bilateral ties and strategic partnership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Despite historical ties between the two countries, visits by Indian Prime Ministers have been rare. Only two such visits to Cyprus have taken place in the past 40 years, by Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. Signal to Turkey The visit is seen as a calculated move to counter the growing Turkey-Pakistan axis, especially since Turkey has deepened ties with Pakistan, including support during India's Operation Sindoor. Cyprus has a long-standing conflict with Turkey, stemming from the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ongoing division of the island. Turkey's recognition only of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) contrasts with Cyprus's EU membership and its Western alliances. By visiting Cyprus and potentially touring the UN-controlled buffer zone (Green Line), PM Modi is sending a clear message of solidarity with Cyprus against Turkish expansionism. This counters the growing Turkey-Pakistan axis and supports India's broader strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Cyprus's firm backing of India's positions on Kashmir, terrorism, and UNSC reforms further cements this alignment. The visit thus strengthens India's Mediterranean strategy by aligning with a key regional player opposed to Turkey's assertiveness. India has expressed concerns over Turkey's position and actions during the conflict, which led to a public backlash and boycott of Turkish goods in India. Cyprus, in contrast, has backed India on the issue of terrorism. After the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Cyprus condemned the act and said it would raise the issue of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the European Union level. Cyprus as a gateway to the Mediterranean and Europe Cyprus's location in the eastern Mediterranean, close to Turkey and Syria, and its status as an EU member despite being geographically in Asia, make it strategically important for India's Mediterranean outreach and connectivity with Europe. One of the biggest banks in Cyprus, Eurobank, has recently announced that it is opening a representative office in Mumbai to help make Cyprus a gateway for Indian businesses entering the European Union and promote the interconnection of capital and businesses between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The island's advanced financial services sector, favorable tax regime, and established shipping industry make it an ideal hub for Indian companies seeking to access European markets. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Cyprus forms part of the energy corridor that will connect India with Europe and strengthen East-West connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). PM Modi's visit aims to anchor Cyprus more firmly in this strategic economic corridor. Enhanced India-EU relations via Cyprus With Cyprus set to hold the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026, PM Modi's visit helps pave the way for deeper India-EU collaboration on trade, security, and global governance issues, leveraging Cyprus's influence within the EU. Moreover, the visit aligns with India's broader push for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU by the end of 2025. Cyprus, as an EU member, can play a pivotal role in advocating for India's interests within the bloc. Economic and investment ties Cyprus is a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, supported by the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the two countries. During the visit, PM Modi addressed a business roundtable in Limassol, emphasising India's commitment to deepening economic ties. He highlighted India's economic trajectory, projecting that it will soon become the world's third-largest economy, and invited Cypriot businesses to invest in sectors like innovation, energy, technology, and digital infrastructure. Energy security and natural gas exploration Cyprus is a key player in Eastern Mediterranean natural gas exploration, an area of regional tension due to Turkish drilling. India's interest in diversifying its energy sources makes Cyprus strategically important for potential energy partnerships.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Post India-Pakistan clashes: Pakistan praised for registering diplomatic achievements
BEIJING: Since the India-Pakistan clash in May this year, Pakistan has achieved remarkable diplomatic achievements and successfully shaped a regional situation favourable to itself through a combination of military victories and diplomatic strategies. These views were expressed by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute in a statement here on Sunday. Pakistan achieved an overwhelming victory in the air combat on May 7, which not only shattered India's myth of military superiority in the South Asian subcontinent, but also elevated Pakistan's international status through widespread dissemination in international media. World powers such as the United States and France indirectly confirmed Pakistan's military victory, while India's attempt to downplay its losses has sparked international public questioning, he added. Prof Cheng said that Pakistan's military strength demonstrated in the India-Pakistan clash has enabled it to gain greater bargaining power in subsequent negotiations. For example, India was forced to accept a ceasefire agreement and faced more pressure in the UN Security Council and other forums. Pakistan and the United States have restarted trade negotiations, and the World Bank has pledged to invest $40 billion in Pakistan from 2026 to 2035. Russia and Pakistan have signed a $2.6 billion steel plant agreement. The warming of Russia-Pakistan relations has balanced the traditional alliance between India and Russia, he added. Pakistan has gained widespread support in the Islamic world and the Middle East. Islamic countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar have shown firm support for Pakistan. Turkey has raised the target of Turkey-Pakistan trade to $5 billion, and the UAE issues 5-year multiple-entry visas to Pakistanis and has pledged to invest $10 billion in Pakistan. These cooperations not only bring economic benefits to Pakistan, but also strengthen Pakistan's leading position in the Islamic world, he added. Pakistan, he said, has reshaped its peripheral diplomatic landscape. Afghanistan has joined the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the bilateral relations have been upgraded to ambassadorial level, with strengthened cooperation in counter-terrorism and border control. Bangladesh and Pakistan have restored their defence and trade ties that were interrupted for more than 50 years, jointly addressing the pressure of India's regional hegemony. Pakistan successfully classified the conflict as 'Indian aggression' by emphasizing that Indian attacks caused civilian casualties, and exercised its right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The United Nations, China, Russia and others all expressed understanding of Pakistan's position, he added. He opined that India has fallen into multiple in multiple passives after the conflict. First, its military deterrence has failed. Although India claims to have struck Pakistan's military targets, it cannot deny the fact of fighter jet losses. Second, international isolation has intensified. India has been criticized for exaggerating combat results in the public opinion war, and faces international criticism of 'water resource war' due to suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Third, its strategic focus is restricted. India is forced to concentrate resources on dealing with Pakistan, indirectly reducing its influence projection in regions such as Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. Pakistan has achieved multiple goals including the boost of international status, the enhancement of relations with major powers, and the reshaping of the surrounding geopolitical landscape through a combination of military victory + diplomatic offensive since the India-Pakistan clash in May this. Its achievements are not only reflected in specific agreements and investments, but more importantly, by virtue of strategic flexibility and precise international mobilization, Pakistan has broken the regional hegemonic narrative that India has long maintained, he added.
News18
15-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Why PM Modi's Cyprus Visit En Route To G7 Summit In Canada Is Strategically Significant
Last Updated: The Cyprus visit is a calculated effort to advance India's Mediterranean strategy by countering the Turkey-Pakistan alignment, sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, en route to the G7 Summit in Canada, represents a strategically significant move, top government sources told CNN-News18. The Cyprus visit is a calculated effort to advance India's Mediterranean strategy by countering the Turkey-Pakistan alignment, they added. Cyprus's maritime connectivity and strategic location position it as a potential hub in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). With Cyprus set to hold the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026, PM Modi's visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years—paves the way for deeper India-EU collaboration during Cyprus's leadership term. This visit comes amid heightened Turkey-Pakistan solidarity, particularly following Turkey's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Cyprus, engaged in territorial disputes with Turkey, naturally aligns with India to strengthen ties with nations opposing Turkish regional influence, said the sources. Cyprus consistently supports India's positions on Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and UN Security Council reforms, reinforcing India's diplomatic stance in international forums, they added. Cyprus is a key player in Eastern Mediterranean natural gas exploration, an area fraught with regional tensions due to Turkey's drilling activities. As India seeks to diversify its energy sources, potential partnerships in this sector are under discussion, with PM Modi's visit aiming to explore new dimensions. Cyprus backs India's bids for multilateral groups like the NSG and UNSC and has endorsed the India-US Nuclear Deal. Stronger ties with Cyprus are likely to garner broader EU support for India's global initiatives. Cyprus is also a significant source of foreign investment in India and maintains a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India. Discussions with Cypriot business leaders in Limassol will focus on enhancing commercial links. Both nations aim to expand defence cooperation, particularly as Cyprus faces security challenges from Turkey. As PM Modi's first foreign trip following India's Operation Sindoor military action against Pakistan, this visit signals India's proactive outreach to consolidate international support, said sources. The Cyprus visit precedes PM Modi's attendance at the G7 Summit in Canada, where India-Canada relations are currently strained. A robust European partnership provides India with diplomatic leverage ahead of this critical engagement. First Published: June 15, 2025, 06:30 IST
