Ankara/New Delhi: India is asserting itself decisively within the Jap Mediterranean and South Caucasus, signalling a strategic counter to Turkey’s regional affect. The strikes comply with Operation Sindoor, when Ankara dispatched a warship to Karachi in help of Pakistan. Since then, Indian naval vessels have maintained a near-constant presence in waters near Turkey, demonstrating an unprecedented maritime technique.
India’s naval presence goes past patrolling. New Delhi can also be forging alliances in opposition to Ankara. The Indian Navy has strengthened ties with Turkey’s neighbours (Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia) all of which have long-standing disputes with Ankara. Coordinated drills and joint workouts convey a transparent strategic message: Turkey’s affect is being countered with precision planning.
Turkey’s Previous Strikes
Turkey has traditionally supported Pakistan militarily, together with through the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict. Turkish troops have skilled Pakistani forces, and Bayraktar TB-2 drones equipped by Ankara had been deployed in opposition to India.
#INSTrikand referred to as at Salamis Bay, #Greece on #13Sep 25 throughout her ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
The ship will take part within the maiden bilateral maritime train between the #IndianNavy and the #HellenicNavy.
Harbour Part – planning discussions, interactions… pic.twitter.com/Vce0AEHQSx
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 14, 2025
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s repeated mentions of Kashmir on the United Nations additional strained relations.
India’s strategic alignment with Turkey’s regional adversaries mirrors these actions, signalling a calibrated response.
Armenia: A Strategic Accomplice In The Caucasus
Situated between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia has relied on India for superior army techniques since 2022. New Delhi has equipped it Akash-1S air protection techniques, Pinaka a number of launch rocket techniques, artillery, anti-tank rockets and anti-drone know-how.
This strengthens Armenia’s protection in opposition to Turkey-backed Azerbaijan and creates the potential for Indian and Turkish property to face one another in any future battle within the area.
Greece: Maritime Coordination And Strategic Depth
Greece has change into a key companion in India’s Mediterranean technique. The 2 nations share mutual considerations over Turkey’s maritime and airspace claims. Following public help for India after the Pahalgam assaults, Greece requested operational steering on Rafale fighter jets and fight knowledge sharing.
In August 2025, Indian frigate INS TAMAL participated in PASSEX workouts with the Greek Navy. The next month, INS Trikand performed the primary bilateral naval drill with the Hellenic Navy. Workout routines included anti-submarine warfare, evening boarding drills and coordinated gunnery operations.
Reviews point out India could provide Greece with long-range land-attack cruise missiles (1,000-1,500 km), doubtlessly altering the strategic steadiness within the Aegean.
Cyprus: Strengthening Presence In The Jap Mediterranean
Cyprus has remained at odds with Turkey since 1983. In June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus, the primary Indian PM go to the nation in 23 years. Modi and President Nikos Christodoulides signed a five-year strategic partnership framework protecting cybersecurity, counter-terrorism intelligence, anti-trafficking operations and joint naval workouts.
In September 2025, INS Trikand performed PASSEX drills with the Cypriot Navy at Limassol port, reinforcing India’s rising affect within the Jap Mediterranean.
Strategic Implications
India’s naval enlargement and protection collaborations with Greece, Cyprus and Armenia exhibit a coordinated technique to counter Turkey’s affect. Analysts view India’s strikes as a mix of diplomacy, superior protection know-how and maritime assertiveness, making a strategic hall round Turkey.
#IndianNavy – #HellenicNavy Maiden bilateral maritime train concluded on #18Sep 25 within the Mediterranean Sea, marking a milestone in India-Greece defence cooperation.
Harbour section (13-17 Sep) included cross-deck visits, skilled exchanges, a pre-sail convention onboard… https://t.co/V7EpESU1z5 pic.twitter.com/Q6ZbhWwJoo
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 20, 2025
Greek protection analyst Paul Antonopoulos highlighted, “The presence of INS Trikand within the Mediterranean reveals that India stands firmly with Greece and Cyprus, able to problem Turkey’s provocative maneuvers.”
India’s strategy displays long-term planning: securing regional pursuits, supporting allies and balancing energy in areas the place Turkey has traditionally dominated.
By integrating naval energy, protection know-how and diplomatic outreach, India positions itself as a proactive participant within the Mediterranean and South Caucasus, guaranteeing strategic depth and affect.