Turkey puts Ummah before friends. In February 2023, when a devastating earthquake struck Turkey, India promptly launched ‘Operation Dost.’ Bharat’s humanitarian mission dispatched over 250 personnel, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and medical experts. Moreover, it brought along more than 135 tons of relief materials. This swift response underscored India’s commitment to global solidarity and an olive branch for Turkey.
Fast forward to 2025, and Turkey’s actions paints a picture of Duplicity, deception, and double dealing!
Preliminary reports of the debris collected in Pakistan’s military escalation towards India indicate that Turkey supplied Songar drones to Pakistan. Moreover, it dispatched a warship to Karachi, aligning itself with India’s adversary. Is this how Turkey wants to repay Bharat’s good deed?
Economic Ties with Turkey under Scrutiny
Turkey’s economic relationship with India is multifaceted, encompassing exports, tourism, and consumer goods.
- Exports: In 2024, Turkey’s exports to India amounted to approximately $1.52 billion, featuring products like gold, marble, machinery, and construction materials.
- Tourism: Turkey’s tourism revenue reached $61.1 billion in 2024, with Indian visitors increasing by 20.7%. Thus, highlighting India’s growing significance as a tourist source.
- Consumer Goods: Turkish brands have a notable presence in India, spanning appliances (Beko, Arçelik, Vestel), food items (Godiva, Ülker, Turkish Delight), and fashion (Trendyol, Koton, LC Waikiki).
Given Turkey’s recent geopolitical alignments, nationalists in India are reassessing these economic interactions.The decrease in trade or tourism shall seriously affect Turkey. Thus, a “Boycott Turkey” Campaign may damage its reputation as well as global image.
Reevaluating ‘Dost’
The term ‘Dost’ signifies friendship, a bond India honored through its humanitarian efforts in 2023. However, Turkey’s subsequent actions of aligning with Pakistan and supplying military equipment challenge the essence of this friendship.
As India and its citizens fume at the betrayal of Turkey, there is a call to critically assess and potentially recalibrate its economic and diplomatic engagements with the nation.
Turkey is no longer a nation that aligns with India’s national interests and values. India’s commitment to global solidarity remains unwavering, as demonstrated during Turkey’s time of need. However, Bharat shall remember this treachery and the “stab in the back”! geopolitical dynamics necessitate a thoughtful examination of bilateral relationships.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” but Turkey’s “Actions speak louder than Words”!!!