As reactions grow in India over Turkey’s military support to Pakistan, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), affiliated with the RSS, has called on the Modi government to impose economic sanctions and limit diplomatic ties with Turkey.
“Turkey is Aligning with Radical Regimes”
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), known for its ideological proximity to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), strongly criticised Turkey’s ongoing military cooperation with Pakistan. In a statement, the SJM said, “Turkey is increasingly allying itself with radical Islamist regimes and military structures hostile to Bharat’s sovereignty.”
The SJM particularly described Turkish defence exports to Pakistan — including MİLGEM warships, Bayraktar drones, and HAVELSAN-supported electronic warfare systems — as a “threat” to stability in South Asia.
“Turkey’s Ties with Pakistan Are Not Merely Commercial, but Ideological”
The statement emphasised that the defence cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan is rooted not just in economics but also in ideology:
“Turkey has become Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier after China. This poses a serious risk to India’s national security.”
The SJM also described Turkey’s lack of condemnation of the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam — which killed 26 people — as “unfortunate.”
Call for Sanctions in Tourism, Aviation, and Trade
The SJM urged a reassessment of India’s economic and cultural ties with Turkey. The group specifically called on the government to:
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Suspend India-Turkey civil aviation connections
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Limit the flow of Indian tourists to Turkey
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Impose economic sanctions on Turkish products (excluding marble, chemicals, and machinery)
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Minimise diplomatic and cultural interactions
It was noted that approximately 400,000 Indian tourists visited Turkey in the 2024–2025 period and that Turkish Airlines and Indian carriers operate dozens of weekly flights. These links, it was argued, could be used as leverage in India’s favour.
Call for Public Boycott in India
The SJM also appealed directly to the public, urging a boycott of Turkish products, tourism, and cultural engagement under the “Bharat First” principle.
“We call upon the patriotic citizens of Bharat to boycott Turkish products and services in solidarity with our national interests.”
Background: Turkey-Pakistan Defence Cooperation
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MİLGEM Warships: Delivered to Pakistan under a $1.5 billion agreement.
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Baykar Drones: Included in the inventory of the Pakistani military.
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HAVELSAN: Actively involved in establishing an electronic warfare testing facility in Pakistan.
India’s perception of these collaborations as a “threat factor” could further strain Turkey-India relations.
