As global alliances shift and regional rivalries intensify, the relationship between India and Turkey presents a compelling contradiction. While Turkey has emerged as a vocal and active supporter of Pakistan—India’s long-standing adversary—its access to the Indian aviation market remains uninterrupted. This dichotomy is now fueling debates among Indian policymakers and citizens alike.
Turkey’s support for Pakistan has extended beyond political rhetoric. In recent years, Ankara has increased its military and economic cooperation with Islamabad, including arms exports, joint defense ventures, and public support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir at international forums. This alignment was especially pronounced following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where Turkey defended Pakistan diplomatically even as India launched retaliatory strikes on terror infrastructure across the border.
India responded with strong condemnation, scaling back diplomatic engagement and putting Turkish defense contracts under review. However, one sector where relations appear curiously unaffected is aviation.
Turkish Airlines has continued to operate and even grow in India. The carrier seeks to double its weekly flights under the bilateral air services agreement and has plans to connect more Indian cities to Istanbul—a critical European and transcontinental hub. Despite high-level diplomatic strain, India has yet to impose any restrictions on Turkish airline operations.
This disconnect has sparked criticism at home. Many Indians, particularly on social media and within business circles, are calling out the inconsistency. Prominent industrialists like Harsh Goenka have pointed out that Indian tourists contribute thousands of crores annually to Turkey’s economy—money that, they argue, could be redirected to neutral or allied nations instead.
Travel agencies are already witnessing the effects. Bookings to Turkey have fallen steeply, while inquiries for alternative destinations such as Greece, Vietnam, and Japan have surged. Cancellations, especially among group tours and destination weddings, have reportedly increased by over 250%.
Still, Turkey’s aviation push reflects its broader economic ambitions. Istanbul is strategically located as a stopover between Asia and Europe, and Turkish Airlines wants to capture a larger share of Indian travelers in the long-haul segment. Its commitment to service, competitive fares, and growing connectivity are difficult to match.
India, meanwhile, is at a crossroads. Should it allow commercial interests to supersede political concerns, or align economic engagement with strategic priorities? As tensions with Turkey rise, future air agreements may become a battleground for diplomatic reciprocity.
