Khilafat to conflict: The story of India and Turkey’s growing rift

Once bound by trade, culture, and shared struggles, India and Turkey now find themselves on opposing ends of a growing diplomatic conflict. What began as a warm partnership has soured into a sharp confrontation.

How did this historic friendship turn into rivalry?

Centuries of strong ties

Centuries ago, the Indian subcontinent and the Ottoman Empire shared thriving trade and cultural relations. Merchants from the Deccan visited Turkish cities like Bursa as early as the 15th century, and Turkish settlers even established colonies in southern India during the Chola era — a sign of two-way respect and exchange.

Khilafat and Gandhi’s support

In the early 1900s, Indian Muslims launched the Khilafat Movement to defend the Ottoman Caliphate. Even Mahatma Gandhi supported it, linking Turkey’s struggle to India’s own freedom movement. After Turkey’s victory in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk abolished the Caliphate, embraced secularism, and modernised the country — a bold vision that earned admiration in India.

Post-war divergence

After World War II, the relationship began to shift. India adopted a policy of non-alignment, while Turkey joined NATO and aligned with the West. Slowly, the emotional and strategic connection between the two nations faded.

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Erdoğan’s tilt toward Pakistan

In the 21st century, tensions rose. President Erdoğan revived Islamic power politics and began taking vocal stances on Kashmir, often siding with Pakistan — much to India’s frustration.

Operation Sindoor and Turkish support

In April 2025, the Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 Indian civilians. India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan. Turkey supported Pakistan with drones, operatives, and even a warship.

India hits back

On May 15, India revoked aviation clearance for Turkey’s Celebi Aviation at nine airports. Tourism collapsed. Celebrities cancelled shows. Traders stopped importing Turkish goods.

The Greater Bangladesh shock

In May 2025, viral maps from Dhaka showed Bengal, Assam, and parts of Myanmar merged into a fictional “Greater Bangladesh” — allegedly promoted by a Turkey-backed NGO called Saltanat-e-Bangla. The provocation further strained ties.

India's strong message

India registered strong diplomatic protests, tightened borders, deployed BSF, and activated drills like Teesta Prahar.

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