In this episode of WorldView, Dr. Swasti Rao engages into an in-depth discussion with Dr. Omer Taspinar who is a professor at the National War College, National Defence University, DC and at the Johns Hopkins SAIS. Together, they unpack Turkey’s evolving geopolitical and defence industrial strategy under President Erdogan and its implications for India.
From being ousted from the F-35 program after the purchase of the controversial S-400 deal to developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet, Turkey is asserting a model of strategic autonomy that tries to draw parallels with France’s independent posture within the NATO. Its growing defense ties with countries like Azerbaijan, Somalia, UAE, and Pakistan , as well as military bases in the Horn of africa, Qatar, Syria, Northern Iraq and Libya highlight a deliberate pivot toward expanding regional influence, even as it balances strategic competition with declining powers like Russia and a growing alignment with China in geostrategy and defence systems integration.
The discussion also explores Turkey’s economic paradox – high productivity despite macroeconomic mismanagement and Erdogan’s preference for job creation over curbing inflation. Prof. Taspinar offers sharp insights into how construction and defence industry has become a tool of Turkish soft power, rivaling even China in parts of Africa and West Asia.
Dr Rao and Dr Taspinar also analyse the strained India–Turkey relationship post Op. Sindoor, shaped by Ankara’s positioning on Kashmir, its closeness to Pakistan, and solidarity with Cyprus. While India strengthens ties with Armenia and Greece, Turkey keeps an eye on the Caucasus, seeking influence across Caucasus, Mediterranean and Indo Pacific, especially in India’s neighbourhood.