India’s willingness to supply advanced defense technology to Turkey’s adversaries is seen as a response to Turkey’s consistent military and diplomatic backing of Pakistan on the global stage. A recent report highlighted that Greece’s possible procurement of the Indian supersonic BrahMos missile could significantly alter the military dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The report also pointed out that there is growing unease in Turkish media and defense circles regarding a developing strategic defense alliance involving India, Greece, and Cyprus. The BrahMos missile’s unique capabilities, including flying at low altitudes and high speeds, have raised concerns among analysts about its potential to neutralize Turkey’s air defense systems.
Furthermore, concerns extend beyond the BrahMos missile, with Turkey closely monitoring India’s advancements in the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) development. This technology could pose a threat to critical Turkish infrastructure from the Aegean islands. Due to potential diplomatic and legal complexities within NATO, direct arms transfers to Greece might be avoided, with Cyprus possibly serving as an indirect channel.
Recent upgrades in relations between New Delhi and Nicosia, culminating in a strategic partnership and defense cooperation roadmap, have drawn attention. Cyprus’s exploration of a substantial defense procurement package, including interest in Indian cruise missiles and drones, under the EU’s SAFE program, has further fueled discussions. Although no official sales agreement has been confirmed, the psychological and tactical impact of the BrahMos missile has already influenced Turkey’s security considerations.
A separate report emphasized India’s growing status as a significant arms exporter, with the BrahMos missile symbolizing its expanding defense capabilities. India’s focus on missile production expertise and global outreach, particularly in the Global South, is enhancing its self-reliance in defense and strengthening its international standing. Defense exports are increasingly becoming a crucial element of India’s foreign policy strategy, aiming to establish itself as a prominent global player and bolster its diplomatic ties and global engagements.
