Turkey Expands Influence in South Asia Under the Banner of Islam: Erdogan’s “Neo-Ottoman” Strategy

Ankara: Despite being geographically distant from South Asia, Turkey is increasingly asserting influence over the region through religious and historical ties. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appears determined to revive the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, which historically played a pivotal role in South Asian geopolitics. By strengthening relations with Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Azerbaijan, Turkey is positioning itself as a strategic player capable of counterbalancing India’s regional influence.

Historical Context
During the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire actively engaged with South Asian powers, forming alliances to balance regional power against the Portuguese and Safavid Iran. Turkish support enabled Babur to establish the Mughal Empire with artillery and gunpowder provided by the Ottomans. Even after the fall of the Mughal dynasty and the advent of British colonial rule, the Ottoman Caliphate remained symbolically significant for Indian Muslims, inspiring movements like the Khilafat Movement. Several princely states, including Hyderabad, maintained marital ties with the Ottoman royal family, demonstrating the deep historical and cultural links between Turkey and South Asia.

Erdogan’s Modern Strategy
Erdogan’s South Asian policy leverages Islam as both a cultural and geopolitical tool. India’s intelligence agencies reportedly linked elements of this ideology to the Lal Qila bombing on 10 November, highlighting Turkey’s indirect influence in the region. Turkey has aligned itself closely with Pakistan, with whom it shared a strategic arms deal in May, and is now extending its influence to Bangladesh and the Maldives, using religious solidarity as a unifying factor.

By cultivating these relationships, Turkey not only enhances its prestige in the Muslim world but also strengthens its geopolitical position to challenge rival powers, including Iran and indirectly India. Analysts note that Erdogan views the decline of the Ottoman and Mughal empires as historical tragedies that must be corrected. His engagement in South Asia, therefore, serves multiple objectives: asserting Turkey’s role in global Islamic affairs, expanding arms and defense influence, and establishing a counterweight to regional adversaries.

Implications for India
Geopolitical experts warn that Turkey’s growing footprint in South Asia could affect India’s strategic balance. Through its cultural, religious, and military ties, Turkey is consolidating influence in Muslim-majority nations that have historically been wary of India. This multi-faceted engagement—combining diplomacy, religion, and defense cooperation—could reshape regional dynamics in favor of Ankara’s broader Neo-Ottoman vision, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives acting as key nodes in its South Asian strategy.