The India-Turkey relationship in 2025 presents a compelling case of how strategic rivalries can collide with commercial opportunities. Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan during the recent Indo-Pak tensions has cast a long shadow over its relations with India. Yet, ironically, at the very moment diplomatic temperatures are rising, commercial interest—especially in aviation—is peaking.
Turkey has been a vocal backer of Pakistan in the international arena, from Kashmir-related resolutions at the United Nations to military aid and training exercises. Turkish defense companies are known to supply Pakistan with attack helicopters, naval vessels, and surveillance systems. This deepening alliance is viewed with considerable alarm in New Delhi, where officials now question the viability of strong bilateral ties with Ankara.
However, the commercial side of the relationship tells a different story.
Turkish Airlines, one of the most prominent global carriers, continues to eye India as a high-growth market. With Indian outbound tourism soaring post-pandemic, and a growing middle class looking for affordable connections to Europe, Turkey’s geographical location makes it an ideal transit hub. The airline’s bid to expand its flight frequencies and connect new cities such as Bengaluru, Kochi, and Ahmedabad underlines its confidence in the Indian market.
But this ambition is at odds with prevailing political sentiments.
Following the 2025 standoff, Indian travel behavior has shifted. Reports suggest a 60–70% decline in demand for Turkish travel packages. Social media has been flooded with boycott calls. “Spend your money where your interests are protected,” one viral post read, highlighting growing consumer awareness of geopolitics.
Indian policymakers are treading carefully. While not outright canceling aviation deals or placing bans, the government is reviewing all bilateral arrangements. Behind the scenes, aviation and tourism officials acknowledge that any further provocation from Ankara could trigger a more formal economic response.
Turkey now faces a dilemma. Does it continue to push for deeper alignment with Pakistan at the cost of alienating one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia? Or does it attempt to decouple politics from commerce, hoping to keep business ties intact?
For India, the message is clear: strategic partnerships must align with national interests. And for Turkey, the lesson may be that in today’s interconnected world, diplomatic choices have very real commercial consequences.
