India Should Exclude Turkey from IMEC

India has grounds to demand Turkey's exclusion from the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) due to Ankara's growing ties with Pakistan. The newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement formally links Turkey to Pakistan's security guarantees, and Turkey has already shown its support for Pakistan through arms sales and diplomatic backing.

The Mecca agreement is not a direct threat to India, but rather an opportunity for New Delhi to insist that a state embedded in Pakistan's military orbit cannot profit from India's flagship trade corridor. The pact has received little attention in Western capitals, with Washington growing tired of underwriting the security of regimes that have failed to build credible fighting forces.

Turkey's role in the region is troubling for Indian planners, as it is likely to provide Pakistan with stealth corvettes, uncrewed systems, and potentially operational KAAN fighter jets in the event of a conflict. China is also likely to supply Pakistan with high-grade intelligence, making the situation more complex for India.

The Mecca pact presents India with a clear opportunity to insist that Turkey cannot serve as a reliable anchor for the IMEC. By tying Pakistani security guarantees to Turkish defence exports, India can make it costly for Turkey to maintain its ties with Pakistan. New Delhi should take this opportunity to re-evaluate Turkey's role in the IMEC and ensure that its interests are protected.

The wider geopolitical context is also important to consider. The United Arab Emirates has been watching Riyadh's attempts to copy its economic success, and Tehran has signalled that the new trilateral grouping poses no serious threat. The Houthis have also made it clear that pressure on Saudi borders will continue unabated.

In this context, India's decision to exclude Turkey from the IMEC would be a strategic move to protect its interests. It would also send a strong message to Turkey and Pakistan that their ties will have consequences. India should make it costly for Turkey to maintain its ties with Pakistan and ensure that its own interests are protected.

The implications of this decision would be significant, with potential consequences for the regional balance of power. India's move would also be closely watched by other countries in the region, including China and the United Arab Emirates. As the situation continues to evolve, India must remain vigilant and ensure that its interests are protected.

In conclusion, India has grounds to demand Turkey's exclusion from the IMEC due to Ankara's growing ties with Pakistan. The Mecca pact presents India with an opportunity to insist that Turkey cannot serve as a reliable anchor for the IMEC, and New Delhi should take this opportunity to protect its interests.