Azerbaijan Ties Strained as India Retaliates Against Turkey
The repercussions of the conflict are being felt in the tourism and travel industries, with Indian travel sites reporting a sharp spike in cancellations for Turkey and Azerbaijan. Bookings have decreased by 60% and cancellations have increased by 250%, as India takes revenge on countries that supported Pakistan in the recent military conflict.
India has severed ties with Turkish businesses and universities, citing national security concerns, in response to Turkey's support for Pakistan during recent hostilities, with Azerbaijan also facing backlash due to its backing of Pakistan.
The move has resulted in the barring of Turkish firm Celebi from operating at Indian airports, with several Indian universities suspending academic ties with Turkish institutions. The decision was made in response to public calls to protect national interests, according to India's minister of state for aviation. Celebi has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to pursue legal remedies.
The incident has highlighted the growing military relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, as well as Azerbaijan, which has been quietly increasing its aid and investment in Pakistan. The use of Turkish-made drones in the conflict has raised concerns for India, which has not yet retaliated against Turkey. However, India is likely to reassess its relationship with Turkey and Azerbaijan, with some sources suggesting that the India-Turkey relationship may be re-evaluated.
The "three brothers" - Turkey, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan - have a significant common diplomatic and economic presence in the region, with trade links, tourism, and military cooperation. India has been a supporter of Armenia, a rival of Azerbaijan, and has signed a $2 billion defense deal with Yerevan. The complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region has been highlighted by the incident, with India seeking to maintain its strategic interests in the face of growing competition from other powers.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the relationships between India, Turkey, and Azerbaijan will develop in the future. The Indian government's actions are seen as a response to the support provided by Turkey and Azerbaijan to Pakistan during the conflict, and are part of a larger trend of India retaliating against countries that have stood in support of Pakistan.