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Turkey was the only West Asian nation to openly criticise the operation Sindoor and back Pakistan, deepening the fault lines between Ankara and New Delhi.
Policemen walk near the national flags of Pakistan and Turkey displayed along a road ahead of a visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 16, 2016. REUTERS
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold high-level talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul on Sunday, according to a statement by Erdogan’s communications chief, Fahrettin Altun.
The leaders will discuss bilateral relations, regional security, and the fight against terrorism, reports Reuters.
“During the meeting, bilateral relations, regional and international issues, including the fight against terrorism, will be discussed,” Fahrettin Altun said on X.
The meeting takes place amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Turkey, triggered by India’s boycott of Turkish goods and services following Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism mission. Turkey was the only West Asian nation to openly criticise the operation and back Pakistan, deepening the fault lines between Ankara and New Delhi.
Turkey-Pakistan defence ties have drawn attention. A Turkish Ada-class anti-submarine corvette docked at Karachi port on May 2, while a Turkish C-130 Hercules military aircraft landed in Karachi on April 27, reportedly carrying military supplies. Although Turkey claims these were routine visits, reports suggest Pakistan used Turkish-made drones in its conflict with India.
Turkey and Pakistan share deep-rooted historical and ideological connections. Their partnership, grounded in a shared Islamic identity, dates back to the Cold War era.
Since Erdogan took power in 2003, Turkey and Pakistan’s relationship has strengthened, driven by shared views on political Islam and a mutual distrust of secular Arab regimes. Erdogan has visited Pakistan over 10 times, most recently co-chairing the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in February 2025.
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