'We will tear you to pieces': Indian general warns Erdogan about pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan
Retired Maj.-Gen. Gagan Deep Bakshi says India needs Iran as a counterweight to Pakistan and will not sacrifice its interests to accommodate Israel.
Retired Indian Major-General Gagan Deep Bakshi warned Turkish President Erdogan about growing alignment among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, cautioning it could pose a strategic threat to India. Speaking to Republic World, Bakshi emphasized that while India values its ties with Israel, it would not sacrifice its interests with Iran due to the conflict between Jerusalem and Tehran.
Bakshi stressed that the emerging "Sunni NATO" in the Middle East, comprised of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, is a significant cause for concern for India. He argued that Shi'ite Iran acts as an important counterweight to Pakistan, and both nations rely on Iran's support.
The retired general highlighted Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and its status as India's primary security headache, emphasizing that Iran's presence is essential to balance this threat. He noted that while Israel perceives Iran as an existential threat, it doesn't share the same concern over Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
Bakshi revealed that Turkey has provided Pakistan with nearly 1,000 unmanned aerial vehicles for Operation Sindoor, signaling a practical alliance between the two nations. He also mentioned that Turkey sent a warship to Karachi, solidifying the close security ties between Ankara and Islamabad.
When addressing Israel's concerns, Bakshi emphasized that India views Israel as a friend but would not subordinate its interests to Israeli demands, particularly when it comes to Iran. He stressed that India's relationships with Iran are economically and geostrategically vital, providing low-cost oil, refining facilities, and land routes to Central Asia and Afghanistan.
In conclusion, while India and Israel maintain a strong friendship, Bakshi stressed that this relationship has clear limits when major security and economic interests are at stake. He believes that India's relationship with Iran is becoming more important amidst growing ties between Turkey and Pakistan.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
