Strategic Brotherhood: Inside Turkey’s Backing of Pakistan
Despite its historically cordial ties with India, Turkey’s consistent support for Pakistan—particularly at key diplomatic and military junctures—has raised significant questions in global strategic circles. This alignment is rooted in a blend of historical ties, ideological alignment, strategic military cooperation, and evolving geopolitical calculations.
Turkey and Pakistan share a longstanding bond that dates back to the era of the Ottoman Empire. During British colonial rule, Muslims from the region that now constitutes Pakistan expressed allegiance to the Ottoman Caliphate. This shared Islamic heritage has fostered a sense of fraternal unity between the two nations over time.
In terms of strategic and military cooperation, Turkey is the second-largest supplier of arms to Pakistan. It has played a significant role in modernising Pakistan’s military capabilities, particularly in providing advanced drone technologies and naval equipment. Recent reports indicate that Turkish-made drones have been used by Pakistan in operations along its border with India, underlining the depth of defense collaboration between the two nations.
Diplomatically, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has consistently echoed Pakistan’s stance on several global issues—most notably on the Kashmir dispute. On international platforms such as the United Nations, Turkey has often reiterated Pakistan’s position. Additionally, both countries collaborate on broader Muslim unity efforts and initiatives aimed at countering Islamophobia.
Geopolitical considerations also play a vital role in this alliance. Turkey’s rivalry with Gulf powers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has prompted it to strengthen ties with non-Gulf Muslim nations like Pakistan and Malaysia. This strategy helps Turkey expand its influence in the Muslim world while balancing regional competitors.
Strong personal ties between national leaders further solidify this relationship. President Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have often referred to each other as “brothers.” Erdoğan has visited Pakistan on multiple occasions, co-chairing high-level strategic meetings. The two countries have signed numerous agreements to expand trade, attract investment, and promote cooperation across various sectors. There is a joint goal to raise bilateral trade to USD 5 billion and to simplify dual citizenship processes.
Turkey is also seeking to deepen its presence in Pakistan’s growing energy sector. The state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has signed agreements with Pakistani entities to jointly bid for 40 offshore oil and gas blocks. This step is seen as a significant move toward a strategic energy partnership and a contribution to regional energy security. Additionally, Turkey is investing in infrastructure and construction projects within Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
In the fields of technology and industry, both nations are setting up technical task forces to facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage investment. Joint ventures in defense technologies, co-production of military equipment, and collaborative training programs are part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on Western defense suppliers.
Although this alignment has strained Turkey’s relationship with India, Ankara continues to support Islamabad due to their deep-rooted historical connections, strategic interests, and shared ideological outlook. Their growing military and diplomatic cooperation could have significant implications for security dynamics in the South Asian region.