Indian media has launched a coordinated disinformation campaign, painting Türkiye as a supporter of terrorism and accusing it of providing logistical, diplomatic, and financial aid to groups operating in India. This narrative gained further traction after the Red Fort blast, which was falsely attributed to Türkiye’s supposed involvement. However, the evidence for such allegations is scant, with no concrete proof presented to substantiate the claims. It becomes clear that this smear campaign is not a product of genuine security concerns but a calculated attempt by New Delhi to manipulate both regional and global narratives for geopolitical gains.
At the heart of India’s allegations lies a geopolitical undercurrent that cannot be ignored. Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has become a vocal advocate for Palestine, repeatedly condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader Middle East. This position has put Ankara at odds with both Israel and its growing ally, India. The Israeli–Indian nexus has become increasingly visible in recent years, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi moving closer to Tel Aviv while Erdoğan’s Turkey has firmly aligned itself with Palestinian rights. This divergence in alliances and values is a primary driver of India’s campaign against Türkiye. However, there is more beneath the surface than just the Israel–India alliance. The rising partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye also plays a crucial role in India’s aggressive stance.
Israel-India Nexus
India’s geopolitical calculations are rooted in its rivalry with Pakistan, which it has long seen as a strategic adversary. The Pakistan–Türkiye relationship, in particular, has become a significant thorn in New Delhi’s side. Ankara and Islamabad share a deep cultural, historical, and strategic bond, which has only grown stronger in recent years. As both countries navigate the complexities of global politics, their mutual support on key issues, particularly in the Muslim world, has put India on edge. The Modi government’s increasing alignment with Israel, particularly in its military and security cooperation, has heightened this concern.
The burgeoning Pakistan–Türkiye axis is seen as a counterweight to India’s regional dominance, especially in South Asia and the Gulf. This axis is not only built on shared security interests but also on common positions regarding the rights of Muslim populations, both in the Middle East and within their own borders. The most significant demonstration of this solidarity came during the 2025 Indo-Pak standoff, where Türkiye, without hesitation, publicly backed Pakistan, offering unwavering diplomatic and political support. The timing of this support was not coincidental. Türkiye had consistently voiced its opposition to India’s actions in Kashmir, and it was no surprise that in the aftermath of the 2025 crisis, New Delhi intensified its media campaign against Ankara.
Backdrop of the Smear Campaign
The smear campaign against Türkiye is not simply a reactive measure but part of a broader geopolitical strategy that seeks to destabilize Turkey’s relations in the region and weaken the growing axis between Pakistan and Türkiye. The Modi government, in alignment with Israeli interests, fears that a strong partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye undermines their own ambitions in the region. Both India and Israel understand that any strengthening of this partnership will disrupt their control over key issues such as defense cooperation, regional security, and the narrative surrounding Palestine.
For India, the growing defense cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye is anathema to its regional aspirations. In recent years, both countries have ramped up joint military training exercises and have engaged in collaborative defense projects. Türkiye has also become one of the largest suppliers of defense technology to Pakistan, including advanced drone systems and air-defense mechanisms. These defense ties are a direct challenge to India’s military dominance in South Asia, and Israel, as India’s key defense partner, has been equally concerned by the increasing proximity between Türkiye and Pakistan.
Moreover, India’s Israel-driven agenda has created a diplomatic quagmire for Ankara. Türkiye’s firm stance on Palestine and its vocal opposition to Israeli policies in Gaza have made it a target for both Indian and Israeli media. By aligning itself with Palestinian rights, Türkiye has positioned itself as a regional leader in the fight for justice in the Middle East, thus making it an ideological adversary to both India and Israel. The fact that India has chosen to weaponize media in its efforts to discredit Türkiye speaks volumes about the country’s discomfort with the growing alignment between Ankara and Islamabad, as well as its own vulnerability in the face of these strategic shifts.
Weaponization of Misinformation
India’s smear campaign against Türkiye relies heavily on its media ecosystem, which is increasingly under the control of the government. Indian media has long been accused of operating as a mouthpiece for the government, with little regard for journalistic integrity. The narrative pushed by Indian TV channels after the Red Fort blast, claiming Türkiye’s involvement in terrorism, is a clear example of how the Indian state is using its media to influence both domestic and international perceptions. These baseless accusations are amplified by a well-oiled propaganda machine, which seeks to manipulate public opinion and tarnish the reputation of any nation that challenges India’s regional dominance.
The lack of evidence for the allegations against Türkiye is not a barrier for the Indian media. Instead, the absence of proof has been used to justify further accusations, creating a vicious cycle of disinformation. The goal is not to uncover the truth but to create a false narrative that serves New Delhi’s geopolitical objectives. By portraying Türkiye as a state sponsor of terrorism, India seeks to isolate Ankara diplomatically, undermine its alliances in the Muslim world, and create division between Türkiye and other regional powers, including Pakistan. In response, India has resorted to its old playbook of propaganda, using media and diplomatic channels to spread misinformation and distort the narrative surrounding Türkiye’s role in the region.
This tactic is not new for India. In the past, India has used similar strategies to target Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of crises or military engagements. The fact that India is now turning its attention to Türkiye speaks to the growing significance of the Türkiye–Pakistan partnership and the threat it poses to India’s regional ambitions. New Delhi is desperate to create diplomatic friction between Ankara and other regional players, particularly Pakistan, to weaken this growing alliance.
The true motivations behind India’s actions become clear when viewed through the lens of its growing alignment with Israel and its fear of the Türkiye–Pakistan axis. This partnership poses a direct challenge to India’s hegemonic ambitions, and as a result, New Delhi has resorted to disinformation, false accusations, and media-driven psy-ops to counteract it. However, the world sees through this campaign, and it exposes India’s insecurities, its dependence on Israel’s agenda, and its willingness to lash out at any nation that dares to challenge its dominance.
