In the realm of diplomatic manoeuvres and strategic partnerships, Pakistan's efforts to bolster relationships with non-Arabic Muslim-majority nations like Azerbaijan and Turkey have not gone unnoticed by India.

A notable trend emerges where Pakistan's engagement with a particular Muslim-majority country prompts a corresponding response from India, aligning itself with that country's rival. This dynamic is evident in two pairs of nations, namely Turkey-Greece and Azerbaijan-Armenia.

The cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan has seen significant strides in recent years. Initiatives such as the 2016 agreement for Turkey to modernise Pakistani submarines and the subsequent 2018 deal for Turkey to manufacture four corvettes for Pakistan have strengthened ties between the two nations.

The corvette manufacturing program, which began in 2019 and saw the delivery of the first vessel in September 2023, underscores the deepening defence collaboration between Ankara and Islamabad. However, India's perspective likely views these developments through a lens of concern, especially given the historical context of regional tensions.

In return, Islamabad has reciprocated by providing Ankara with trainer aircraft, and there are indications of cooperation in drone production as well. These defence-related partnerships have been complemented by political support, with Turkey openly endorsing Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue.

Simultaneously, Pakistan has extended support to Azerbaijan, particularly during its conflict with Armenia. Notably, Pakistan's decision to offer its jointly developed JF-17 aircraft to Azerbaijani forces marks a significant step in bilateral defence ties.

In response to these engagements, India has taken strategic steps to strengthen ties with Turkey's rival, Greece. Military exercises between India and Greece commenced in 2021, and in 2024, the Prime Minister of Greece was invited to deliver the opening address at the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, a key international relations conference hosted annually in India.

Additionally, Indian companies like the GMR Group have undertaken private initiatives such as co-developing an airport in Greece, reflecting a broader trend of economic and diplomatic engagement.

==========

Also Read - Greece the latest EU country to engage in Indo-Pacific with India playing the pivot 

==========

India's response to Pakistan's support for Azerbaijan has been more pronounced, with recent agreements between India and Armenia involving the supply of military equipment including Pinaka rocket launchers, Swathi radar systems, and specific types of artillery ammunition. While not all of these deliveries occurred before the recent conflict in Karabakh, the political gesture underscores India's strategic alignment and support for Armenia.

These developments highlight the intricate interplay of geopolitical strategies in the region, with each country manoeuvring to secure its interests and alliances amidst evolving regional dynamics.

However, the rivalry between India and Pakistan, while significant, is unlikely to culminate in the formation of distinct blocs for several reasons. Firstly, one can say that both countries lack the sheer power and influence required to forge blocs of states around them, with Pakistan falling even shorter in this regard.

Secondly, both India and Pakistan adopt a more nuanced and multilateral approach to international relations. Rather than aligning strictly with one bloc, they maintain diverse partnerships with various countries, including both Western nations and Russia, albeit in their own distinct ways.

Thirdly, India's economic ties with many Muslim-majority nations remain robust, suggesting a reluctance on India's part to counter every engagement of Pakistan. This is particularly evident in India's relations with economically influential Arabic states in the Persian Gulf, as well as Turkey, given the latter's substantial economic stature. For instance, in 2022, India's exports to Turkey were significantly higher than to Greece, underscoring the economic complexities at play.

However, one area where the rivalry impacts tangible outcomes is defence cooperation between Turkey and India. New Delhi has been cautious in engaging in military transactions with countries that also supply arms to Pakistan. This cautious approach was evident in the cancellation of a deal in 2023 for India to acquire fleet support ships from Turkey, likely linked to Ankara's collaboration with Islamabad.

Nevertheless, India has displayed a pragmatic tolerance towards U.S. and Russian military exports to Pakistan, given the formidable strength and strategic importance of these nations as partners. However, this tolerance does not necessarily extend to countries of lesser power or significance to India.

Therefore, while economic relations between Turkey and India are expected to continue, defence cooperation may witness a setback due to the ongoing rivalry between New Delhi and Islamabad.