Retired Indian Major General Gagan Deep Bakshi has raised concerns about the growing alignment between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, indicating that this coalition may pose a significant strategic threat to India. He emphasized that India will not compromise its longstanding relations with Iran to appease Israel’s security interests.
### Emerging “Sunni NATO”
In an interview with the New Delhi-based outlet Republic World, Bakshi described the development of a “Sunni NATO” in the Middle East as particularly alarming. This coalition, which he believes was solidified during a recent agreement in Mecca, represents a new geopolitical reality that India must consider in its strategic calculations. Bakshi pointed out that the arrangement combines the political and military capabilities of these nations, reshaping the balance of power in the region.
### The Importance of Iran
Bakshi made it clear that, from India’s viewpoint, Shi’ite Iran is a crucial counterbalance to Pakistan. He noted that while China is recognized as a primary threat, Pakistan simultaneously represents a significant security concern. The general argued that India’s relationship with Iran must remain strong, especially in light of the threats posed by Pakistan, which is viewed as a “fundamentalist, jihadist Islamic state” possessing a substantial nuclear arsenal.
Comparing the threats that Iran and Pakistan pose to their respective nations, Bakshi pointed out that Iran lacks nuclear weapons, yet it is perceived as an existential threat to Israel. In contrast, Pakistan, armed with around 180 nuclear warheads, does not seem to disturb Israel’s peace of mind, as Bakshi highlighted, stating that Israel appears less concerned about Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, which are primarily viewed as a threat to India.
### Turkey’s Growing Bond with Pakistan
Bakshi also addressed Turkey’s support of Pakistan, arguing that their alliance is not merely theoretical. He cited examples of Turkish assistance during critical operations, such as supplying UAVs to Pakistan. This partnership showcases the qualitative and logistical advantages the two nations have achieved through their collaboration.
While acknowledging Turkey’s robust military, Bakshi questioned its ability to intervene in a conflict directly between India and Pakistan, given the geographical challenges. He asserted that any Turkish military aid to Pakistan would have to traverse substantial bodies of water, where the Indian Navy would have a strategic advantage.
### India’s Stance on Relations with Iran
Bakshi’s remarks extended directly to Israel, emphasizing that while India values its friendship, it will not sacrifice its interests regarding Iran. He urged for mutual sensitivity between the nations and asserted that India is not an appendage of the United States or Israel, thereby reinforcing the notion of India’s sovereignty in decision-making.
He highlighted India’s economic and geopolitical dependencies on Iran, including trade opportunities like purchasing Iranian oil. Such economic avenues are crucial for India, as they seek to establish strong overland routes to Central Asia and Afghanistan through Iran.
In conclusion, Bakshi noted that the evolving ties among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, coupled with the strategic importance of Iran, underscore that India’s alliance with Iran is becoming increasingly vital. While relations with Israel are deemed significant, they must not overshadow India’s core security and economic interests.