Turkey Imposes Comprehensive Arms Ban on India, Sides with Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions

Turkey Implies Comprehensive Ban on Arms Sales to India Turkey has recently imposed a comprehensive arms ban on India, a move that has significant implications for both nations. This decision, made in a closed-door session of the Turkish Parliament, aims to demonstrate Turkey’s unwavering support for Pakistan. As one of the leading arms importers globally, India’s defense sector is poised to feel the impact of this ban. Background Historically, Turkey and India have shared a complex relationship, influenced by political and economic factors. Over the past decade, relations between the two countries have deteriorated, primarily due to Turkey’s staunch support for Pakistan in its various disputes with India. The arms trade between Turkey and India has been a significant aspect of their bilateral relations, making the recent ban a notable development. Turkey’s Decision The decision to impose the ban was revealed by Mustafa Murat Şeker, the deputy chairman of Turkey’s Defence Industry Agency (SSB). Despite concerns about potential repercussions if the decision became public, the SSB deputy chairman confirmed the ban. This move places India on a blacklist of countries to which Turkey cannot sell military and defense items,