2 days ago
Last Updated:May 26, 2025, 08:52 IST
Government sources view the Shehbaz Sharif-Asim Munir visit to Turkey as an effort to strengthen an anti-India alliance, encompassing military, diplomatic, and ideological fronts.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif visits Turkey (Reuters Image)
The recent visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir to Turkey is being seen by top Indian government sources as a strategic realignment of relationships between the two countries. According to sources, this visit is particularly significant as Turkey is positioning itself against Saudi Arabia within the Muslim world. They emphasise that Shehbaz’s first visit to Ankara is seen as a gesture of strategic thanksgiving for the country’s support to Pakistan during conflict with India.
The aim is to consolidate Turkey-Pakistan collaboration against Indian interests following Operation Sindoor, sources say. Turkey had backed Islamabad against New Delhi in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Top sources also indicate that Shehbaz Sharif needs to ensure his political survival, and for General Munir, securing Turkey’s unconditional support during a war is crucial. Ankara’s statements against India’s Operation Sindoor and its supply of Bayraktar TB2 drones to Pakistan are considered vital, sources say. Government sources view the Shehbaz-Munir visit as an effort to strengthen an anti-India alliance, encompassing military, diplomatic, and ideological fronts.
Additionally, sources highlight that Turkey is trying to gain geopolitical leverage through its Islamic posturing. The timing of the visit is critical, as tensions in South Asia continue to escalate.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday and thanked him for “resolute support" against the recent military confrontation with India.
“Had the honor of meeting my dear brother President Reccep Tayipp Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan India standoff," Sharif wrote on X.
“We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan-Turkey Friendship," he added.
The two leaders had last met on April 22, the day when the barbaric Pahalgam attack took place, killing 26 civilians.
Location : First Published:News world Sharif-Munir's 'Thank You' Visit To Turkey Aims To Consolidate Anti-India Interests After Op Sindoor: Sources
