New Delhi/Ankara: In a bold and calculated strategic move, India has intensified its military and diplomatic engagement with three of Turkey’s traditional adversaries – Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia – following Ankara’s open military support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This developing equation marks a significant turning point in India’s foreign policy, aimed directly at countering Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s aggressive pro-Pakistan narrative and actions.
Operation Sindoor: Triggering a Strategic Shift
India’s strategic recalibration began after Turkey sent a warship to Karachi to assist Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Not only was this seen as direct support for Islamabad, but it also followed Turkey’s past delivery of Bayraktar TB-2 drones, which Pakistan reportedly used against Indian forces.
This has prompted the Indian Navy to maintain an almost permanent presence near Turkish waters—an unprecedented move. Sources confirm that since the operation, Indian warships have regularly participated in joint drills with Turkey’s neighbors, signaling a long-term strategic alignment to counter Ankara’s regional influence.
Strengthening Ties with Armenia: Weapons and Warnings
India’s growing military partnership with Armenia – a country in long-standing conflict with both Turkey and its close ally Azerbaijan – has been among the most notable developments.
Since 2022, India has supplied Armenia with key defense systems including –
- Akash-1S air defense systems
- Pinaka multiple launch rocket systems
- Anti-tank rockets
- Anti-drone technology
- Artillery systems
India is fast becoming Armenia’s key defense partner. Experts warn that this dynamic could result in Indian and Turkish-origin weapons clashing directly if conflict in the South Caucasus reignites.
#IndianNavy – #HellenicNavy Maiden bilateral maritime exercise concluded on #18Sep 25 in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a milestone in India-Greece defence cooperation.
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 20, 2025
Harbour phase (13-17 Sep) included cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, a pre-sail conference onboard… https://t.co/V7EpESU1z5 pic.twitter.com/Q6ZbhWwJoo
Greece: From Ally to Strategic Partner
India has also ramped up military cooperation with Greece, which has been at loggerheads with Turkey over maritime and airspace disputes.
Key developments include –
- Condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack by Greece, aligning with India’s counter-terror stance
- Sharing of Rafale combat data and operational intelligence
- High-level visits by Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh and defense officials
Joint naval exercises with the Greek Navy, including –
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Night boarding drills
- Coordinated gun firing drills
In a strategic development that could shift the regional military balance, India is reportedly considering supplying Greece with long-range land attack cruise missiles (1,000–1,500 km range). Turkish media has raised alarms, suggesting this is direct retaliation for Ankara’s support of Islamabad.
Cyprus: A Reclaimed Ally in the Eastern Mediterranean
India has re-engaged with Cyprus, a nation with long-standing territorial disputes with Turkey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit in June 2025 – the first by an Indian PM in 23 years – marked a turning point.
Key outcomes of Modi’s visit include –
- Signing of a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan
- Cooperation in cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and anti-trafficking operations
- Awarding of Cyprus’ highest civilian honor to PM Modi
- Naval PASSEX exercise between INS Trikand and the Cypriot Navy in September 2025
These engagements firmly position India as a strategic player in the Eastern Mediterranean, directly under Turkey’s watch.
India’s Encirclement Strategy: A Mirror Response to Erdogan
Turkey’s attempts to diplomatically and militarily encircle India – through partnerships with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives – are now being reciprocated.
President Erdogan’s repeated mentions of Kashmir at the United Nations General Assembly have severely strained Indo-Turkish relations. His vocal support for Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir is widely seen as interference in India’s internal affairs.
India’s new defense outreach strategy is designed to send a clear message: intervention comes with consequences.
Global Reaction and Strategic Calculations
Greek journalist Paul Antonopoulos highlighted the significance of India’s naval presence in the region, stating,
“The arrival of INS Trikand in the Mediterranean signals that India stands with Greece and Cyprus and will not back down from challenging Turkey’s provocative tactics.”
Experts believe India’s growing trilateral defense axis with Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia may evolve into a long-term strategic partnership, capable of counterbalancing Turkey’s influence in the region and beyond.
#INSTrikand called at Salamis Bay, #Greece on #13Sep 25 during her ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 14, 2025
The ship will participate in the maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the #IndianNavy and the #HellenicNavy.
Harbour Phase – planning discussions, interactions… pic.twitter.com/Vce0AEHQSx
