How are Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan strengthening their anti-India alliance?
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Synopsis
The alliance between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan is set to strengthen further as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits Azerbaijan after Iran. A trilateral summit in Lachin will address joint defense strategies amidst ongoing tensions with India, signaling a significant geopolitical shift in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Trilateral summit to strengthen defense cooperation.
- Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst tensions with India.
- Turkey and Azerbaijan express solidarity with Pakistan.
- Strategic discussions in **Lachin** addressing regional stability.
- Sharif's visit signifies a potential shift in alliances in the region.
Islamabad/New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) The escalating alliance among Islamabad, Ankara, and Baku is poised for further enhancement during the visit of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Azerbaijan, following his ongoing trip to Iran.
Reports indicate that a trilateral summit involving Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan is anticipated to convene in Lachin, a strategically significant city linking Azerbaijan to Armenia, within the next 48 hours to deliberate on "vital decisions regarding collaborative strategies" across various sectors, including defense.
"This high-level trilateral meeting among the heads of state/government from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan is set to occur in Lachin, known for its picturesque landscapes and strategic relevance. The conference aims to address the regional dynamics following the recent conflict between Pakistan and India, investigate avenues for mutual cooperation, and devise a strategy for a shared future," reported Pakistani media on Tuesday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to arrive in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, as confirmed by Turkish media on Tuesday.
Sharif reached Tehran on Monday after concluding his visit to Istanbul. Following his time in Azerbaijan, he will proceed to Tajikistan, the final leg of his expedited four-nation tour, after India's decisive Operation Sindoor that dismantled terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this month.
Accompanying Pakistan's Prime Minister are Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
On Sunday, the Pakistan PM had a second meeting with Erdogan within a month. Erdogan previously hosted Sharif in Ankara on April 22, the same day a horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The Turkish President had also made a State Visit to Pakistan in February 2025.
Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly shown solidarity with Pakistan, supporting Islamabad during its military tensions with India this month.
Pakistan employed Turkey's indigenous armed drone system, Asisguard Songar drones, to target Indian civilian, military, and religious sites, which were effectively countered by India's robust air defenses.
Analysts suggest that Pakistan, feeling cornered with limited 'all-weather friends', is striving to establish an anti-India front, while Turkey under Erdogan aims to assert itself as a leader in the Muslim world.
Interestingly, Sharif had visited Baku in February this year for a two-day official engagement.
An advance delegation led by Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, is already in Baku, meeting with representatives of the Azerbaijani government.
On Monday, Sharif sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in honor of Independence Day (May 28), commending his "steadfast support" for Pakistan during the recent tensions with India.
"Excellency, we are deeply appreciative of our Azerbaijani brothers for their unwavering solidarity with Pakistan. As true allies, our hearts resonate together, especially as our futures are intertwined. I eagerly anticipate my upcoming visit to your beautiful country," stated the Pakistani Prime Minister.
Point of View
I note that the strengthening ties among Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan represent a critical geopolitical shift. This trilateral collaboration could reshape regional dynamics, especially concerning India. It is essential to monitor these developments closely, as they could have far-reaching implications for stability in South Asia.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the trilateral summit?
The summit aims to discuss joint strategies in defense and cooperation among Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan following rising tensions with India.
Who are the key leaders involved in this alliance?
The key leaders include Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev.
What recent events prompted this meeting?
The recent military standoff between Pakistan and India, particularly following India's Operation Sindoor, has heightened the need for strategic discussions among these nations.
How has Turkey supported Pakistan in the conflict with India?
Turkey has openly expressed solidarity with Pakistan and backed Islamabad during its military tensions with India, including military technology support.
What are the implications of this alliance for regional stability?
This alliance may exacerbate tensions in the region, especially concerning India's response, and could lead to an escalation of military standoffs.
