India has been repeatedly saying that during the recent military conflict, Pakistan got all kinds of support from China and Turki. But these three countries have been denying this, but now China and the Turkas have made it clear by announcing military coordination with Pakistan and tying a bridge to the Pakistani Air Force by binding it that they are busy presenting a coordinated challenge for India. Let us tell you that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has received strong praise from senior defense officers of China and Turki. This “twin endorsement” from Beijing and Ankara is not only recognized by Pakistan’s military capabilities, but also seems to be an attempt to create a balance compared to the deepening western support towards India. Let us tell you that China’s PLA Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Wang Gang and Turki Defense Minister Yasar Guller praised PAF’s strategy, leadership and operational ability at Pakistan Air Headquarters in Islamabad last week. This was an unusual diplomatic coordination in which the two countries appreciated Pakistan’s multi-domain operations (MDO) strategy, PAF’s AI-Drivan Targeting System and Cyber-Electronic Warfare capabilities and PAF’s JF-17 Block III Fighter Jet showed deepest interactions in the tactical efficiency of JF-17 Block III Fighter Jet.
China described it as a “textbook example”, while the Turki described it as “decisive defense of national sovereignty”. This comment came at a time when India denied any kind of air damage in these conflicts. In such a situation, this external appreciation emphasizes Pakistan’s military enemy. At the same time this development is happening when India is rapidly increasing its defense cooperation with the US, France and Israel – such as Rafael Deal, Joint Drone Projects and Intelligence partnership. On the other hand, China and Turkas are strengthening their presence by supporting Pakistan as a strategic balance in South Asia. For example, the Turki proposed to create an industry-to-industry work group to accelerate drone technology, pilot training and aerospace cooperation, while China expressed his desire to consider PAF’s strategy as a model for PLAAF. This indirectly indicates an alternative strategic axis – which is trying to balance India’s growing strategic power.
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Parallel to this military cooperation, Pakistan and Turkas agreed to increase bilateral trade by $ 5 billion, establish the Turkey Special Economic Zone in Karachi and revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad train. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the Turki as “reliable friend and trusted brother” which reflects a clear inclination in Pakistan’s diplomacy.
Looking at the implications of PAF’s praise, let us tell you that even though the reality in the military struggle against India is something else, China and the Turki’s support gives it diplomatic relief. Apart from this, competition will be faster in areas like AI, cyber warfare, drone technology. If seen, China and Turki offer the praise and strategic cooperation of Pakistan Air Force and not only military cooperation, but a military-cultural message-especially to India. This developments indicate that the security politics of South Asia is becoming multilateral, in which the impact of each step will be seen not only on the borders, but also on global forums.
In addition, this new military equation challenges India at three major levels:
Pressure on the Western border – The continuous border clashes with Pakistan are now getting indirect support of China and Turkas, which has increased the aggression and confidence of PAF.
China’s growing audacity on the northern border – The possibility of China’s infiltration into Arunachal and Ladakh region may be further increased by this alliance, making India ready on two fronts.
Battle for diplomatic image building – Turk’s partnership has now increased the possibility of diplomatic support on OC, African and Central Asian forums, which can challenge India’s global credibility.
Analysts believe that this tripartite strategy is not only defense cooperation, but an alternative Asian Shakti Kendra’s hypothesis that wants to balance India’s growing proximity with western countries. Let us tell you that China wants to make ‘Proxy Influence’ in South Asia, worried about India’s economic and strategic growth. At the same time, the Turkas consider Pakistan to be a strategic platform to strengthen its Islamic leadership image in South Asia. On the other hand, Pakistan is trying to balance its military weakness with external support compared to India.
However, this triangular military equation of China, Turki and Pakistan is not only a strategic alliance against India, but an attempt to give rise to a new definition of power balance in Asia. India will now have to be cautious not only on borders, but also at the level of digital battlefield, diplomatic forums and ideology.