After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, there has been a huge tension in India-Pakistan relations , Pakistan is constantly fearing strict action from India. In this backdrop, Pakistan has sought military assistance from Türkiye and accordingly, the Turkish warship ‘TCG Buyukada’ has reached the Karachi port.
According to the Directorate General of Public Relations of the Pakistani Navy (DGPR), senior Pakistani Naval officials enthusiastically welcomed the Turkish naval ship on reaching the Karachi port. The purpose of this arrival is to further strengthen Turkish-Pakistan maritime cooperation.
Pakistani’s hand extended to Türkiye, nervous due to Pahalgam attack
Due to India’s increasing pressure, Pakistan is engaged in finding strategic partners internationally. The possibility of retaliation from India is being openly expressed, especially after the Pahalgam attack. In this backdrop, Türkiye’s military support is proving to be promising for Pakistan.
Warship TCG Buyukada’s arrival in Karachi is the beginning of a new era in Turkish-Pakistani maritime partnership. According to DGPR, the warship journey will include strategic discussion, exchange of experiences and discovery of methods of mutual cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan Navy officials.
Türkiye’s military support to Pakistan, a strategic equation
The defense partnership between Türkiye and Pakistan has increased considerably over the years. Turkish defense companies have modernized Pakistan’s Agosta 90-B-class submarines, as well as a large supply chain for drones and other military equipment. An important part of the entire partnership is joint military exercise. The recently concluded practice ‘Ataturk-XIII’ was attended by special forces from both countries, which has increased their strategic capabilities.
Turkish ambassador conversation with Shahbaz Sharif – towards historical relations
In this context, Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Negiroglu met Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and highlighted the historical and cultural foundation of Turkish-Pakistan relations. He made a diplomatic vow to Ankara’s support to Islamabad. According to an official statement by the DGPR, the presence of a warship in Karachi is not only a case of naval level cooperation, but a symbol of comprehensive strategic partnership.
Pakistan’s inclination towards Türkiye under Indian pressure
After India’s aggressive stance after the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has now adopted a new route to gain international support. The arrival of Turkish warship can prove to be a strategic basis for Pakistan. According to experts, Pakistan is concerned about a possible response from India like a surgical strike or airstrike. Therefore, Pakistan’s argument may be to increase cooperation with a country like Türkiye, to reduce international pressure. But on the other hand, Türkiye’s open support can definitely cause new earthquake in India-Pakistan tension. This has led to signs of change in strategic balance in South Asia.
