Why India Is Turning Away From Pakistan, Turkey, And Azerbaijan

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Geopolitical Shifts and Strategic Realignments

India's foreign policy is undergoing a dramatic transformation, shaped by the changing global order. The rise of China as a global power has forced India to reassess its strategic partnerships and diversify its alliances. This recalibration is evident in several key aspects:

• The Rise of China: China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, coupled with its territorial claims in the Himalayas, has pushed India closer to the United States and other like-minded nations. This has led to enhanced defense cooperation and strategic partnerships aimed at countering China's influence.

• Strengthening Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad): India's deepening ties with the US, Japan, and Australia (Quad) reflect a commitment to a rules-based international order and a desire to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. This alliance directly counters China's growing influence in the region.

• Concerns over Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism remains a major irritant in India-Pakistan relations. This undermines any possibility of meaningful engagement and reinforces India's cautious approach towards Pakistan.

• Shifting Alliances in Central Asia: The evolving geopolitical landscape in Central Asia is also impacting India's access and influence. India is actively seeking to expand its economic and strategic footprint in the region, often in competition with other major powers.

Economic Factors and Trade Relations

The strained relationships with Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have significant economic consequences. India is increasingly prioritizing economic partnerships with countries that offer greater stability and predictability:

• Decreasing Bilateral Trade: Trade volumes with Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have been impacted by political tensions and security concerns. India is now actively diversifying its trade partners.

• Focus on Reliable Economies: India is focusing on building strong economic ties with countries that offer robust trade agreements, reliable supply chains, and significant investment opportunities. This shift prioritizes economic stability and long-term growth.

• Attracting Foreign Investment: India is actively seeking foreign direct investment (FDI) from countries with strong economic ties and shared values, contributing to its economic growth and development.

• Infrastructure Projects: The focus on alternative trade routes and infrastructure projects reduces reliance on countries with unstable political landscapes. This increases India's economic resilience.

Ideological Differences and Human Rights Concerns

Ideological differences and human rights concerns have significantly contributed to the strained relations. India's commitment to secular democracy contrasts sharply with the increasingly authoritarian trends observed in some of these nations.

• Human Rights Violations: Growing concerns over human rights violations in Pakistan and Turkey have created a barrier to deeper engagement with these countries. India's commitment to human rights is a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

• Differing Stances on Regional Conflicts: Differing views on the Kashmir dispute and other regional conflicts further complicate relationships, hindering any progress towards mutual understanding and cooperation.

• Religious Polarization: Religious polarization and intolerance in some of these nations impact India's diplomatic ties, making genuine cooperation challenging.

• Secular Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: India's emphasis on a vibrant secular democracy is fundamentally at odds with the increasingly authoritarian trends observed in some of its neighbors, contributing to a widening ideological gap.

The Case of Pakistan

The India-Pakistan relationship is characterized by a long history of conflict and mistrust. Several key issues continue to plague the bilateral relationship:

• Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan-based militant groups continue to pose a significant security threat to India, making it difficult to foster trust and cooperation.

• The Kashmir Dispute: The unresolved Kashmir dispute remains a major obstacle to any significant improvement in relations. Both countries hold firm to their respective positions, hindering any compromise.

• Lack of Progress: The absence of meaningful progress in addressing long-standing grievances continues to strain relations and contributes to the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust.

The Case of Turkey and Azerbaijan

India's relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan are also evolving, though the reasons are somewhat different from the case of Pakistan:

• Turkey's Proximity to Pakistan: Turkey's increasing closeness to Pakistan is a cause for concern for India, given Pakistan's role in regional instability.

• Azerbaijan's Stance on Regional Issues: Concerns remain over Azerbaijan's stance on certain regional issues, particularly concerning India's interests.

• Competition for Influence: Competition for influence in Central Asia and other regions is creating a dynamic landscape where India seeks to balance its relations strategically.

Conclusion: Re-evaluating India's Foreign Policy – Turning Away from Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan

India's shift away from Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan reflects a pragmatic reassessment of its foreign policy priorities. Geopolitical realignments, driven by the rise of China and the need for a strong counterbalance, have shaped India's strategic partnerships. Economic considerations, including the diversification of trade and the attraction of FDI from reliable sources, have also played a crucial role. Finally, ideological differences and human rights concerns have further complicated relations, highlighting the importance of shared values in fostering enduring partnerships. The phrase "India turning away from Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan" accurately captures this new geopolitical reality. The long-term implications of this strategic realignment for regional stability and India's global standing are profound and deserve careful consideration. To understand the evolving landscape of South Asian geopolitics, explore further resources on India’s foreign policy and the complexities of its relationships with its neighbors.