India Cuts Off Trade, Education Ties with Turkey Following Support for Pakistan

The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has suspended trade and educational relations with Türkiye in response to Türkiye’s unwavering support for Pakistan amidst recent tensions between India and Pakistan, as reported by Indian media.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed this decision, highlighting that Türkiye’s support for Pakistan during the recent conflict has led to the suspension of bilateral ties. Additionally, measures have been taken against Turkish companies operating in India. The Ministry emphasized that, in line with Modi’s Hindutva policies, India regularly reviews its relationships with countries that challenge its sovereignty.

In the past, the Modi government also revoked the security clearance of a Turkish company working at Indian airports and initiated a boycott campaign against Turkish apples, with traders in Pune actively promoting the boycott.

This strained relationship stems from Türkiye’s strong backing of Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan tensions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had declared, “We always stand with you. The brotherhood between Türkiye and Pakistan is a blessing few nations enjoy.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated in early May, with the Indian army launching an attack on Pakistan on May 7, citing the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan responded forcefully, although a ceasefire has since been established between the two nations.

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