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ONLY IN TLF: Regional Neighbours Split on India-Pakistan Flare-Up. Turkey Condemns New Delhi, Greece Urges Calm

The recent escalation in tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, reportedly following an Indian military operation, has drawn sharply contrasting responses from two key regional players, Turkey and Greece. While Ankara issued a strong condemnation of India's actions and voiced solidarity with Pakistan, Athens expressed deep concern and called for immediate dialogue to de-escalate the situation.

Turkey unequivocally denounced India's reported cross-border military engagement on May 7. According to DW, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement criticizing the Indian operation as a serious breach of international norms and a significant threat to regional peace and security. The ministry's communiqué emphasized Turkey's unwavering support for Pakistan, urging the international community to take note of the developments and work towards preventing further instability. This strong stance from Ankara underscores its deepening alignment with Islamabad on critical security matters.

Conversely, Greece adopted a more cautious and mediatory approach. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by iefimerida.gr, issued a statement articulating its profound unease regarding the deteriorating situation between India and Pakistan. Athens stressed that both nations must exercise maximum restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. The Greek statement highlighted the need for diplomatic channels to prevail over military options, urging all parties to commit to peaceful resolution and avoid actions that could further inflame the volatile environment.

These divergent reactions from Turkey and Greece are not entirely unexpected, given their distinct historical and geopolitical alignments in the broader region. Turkey's robust backing for Pakistan reflects a long-standing and deeply entrenched strategic partnership. This "brotherly" relationship dates back to Pakistan's independence in 1947, cemented by shared religious and cultural affinities, consistent political backing on international forums, including steadfast Turkish support for Pakistan's position on Kashmir, and growing defence cooperation.

In parallel, Greece's call for dialogue and its more neutral stance align with its historically friendly and steadily strengthening ties with India. The relationship between Athens and New Delhi is built upon shared democratic values, ancient civilizational connections, and a mutual commitment to international law. In recent years, India and Greece have actively worked to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, maritime security, and cultural exchange, fostering a bond rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for a stable, rules-based international order.

Photo: Iefmerida - Foreign Ministry Building of Greece in Athens

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