India Sent Aid. Turkey Sent Drones to Pakistan. Ultimate Betrayal?

 

Operation Dost: India's Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-hit Turkey in 2023

 

Historically, India and Turkey have maintained generally cordial diplomatic relations. A notable moment of goodwill was India's humanitarian assistance to Turkey following the devastating 1999 İzmit earthquake. Although the term "Operation Dost" was officially used for the 2023 relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, India's earlier support in 1999 still reflected a spirit of solidarity and compassion. From the perspective of educational psychology, such acts of international aid can be viewed as manifestations of altruism—defined as selfless concern for the well-being of others. When exhibited at the national level, this behavior reflects a commitment to humanitarian values and moral responsibility. India's decision to provide timely support exemplified these principles, reinforcing its image as a responsible global partner.

During Operation Dost, launched in February 2023 in response to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, India mobilized one of its most comprehensive overseas humanitarian missions. A 45-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), accompanied by three trained sniffer dogs—Romeo, Julie, and Honey—was deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas. The team was equipped with advanced tools, including thermal imaging cameras, concrete cutters, drilling machines, and life-detection equipment, allowing them to operate effectively even in collapsed and hazardous structures. In addition, the Indian Air Force facilitated the transport of more than 250 tonnes of relief material over multiple flights. This included essentials such as mobile hospitals, ventilators, ECG machines, generators, blankets, tents, ready-to-eat meals, baby food, and life-saving medicines. India also established a fully operational 30-bed field hospital in Iskenderun, Hatay province, staffed by a medical team of 99 Army personnel including critical care specialists, orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, and paramedics. The hospital treated nearly 4,000 patients over the course of the mission. Turkish officials and citizens widely praised India’s swift and selfless response, recognizing it as a powerful act of solidarity in a time of crisis.

Beyond its logistical and medical contributions, Operation Dost carried significant diplomatic weight. The term “Dost”, meaning “friend” in both Hindi and Turkish, was intentionally chosen to reflect the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. India's swift mobilization of aid was not only a demonstration of operational capability but also a message of goodwill and shared humanity. In a world often divided by geopolitical interests, such missions serve as reminders of the power of humanitarian diplomacy. The widespread media coverage in Turkey and the warm reception from Turkish citizens reinforced India’s image as a reliable partner in times of need. This soft power moment was seen as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual respect—making subsequent developments in the India-Turkey-Pakistan triangle all the more emotionally and politically charged.

 

The Psychological Impact of Betrayal: Turkey's Drone Supply to Pakistan

 

The relationship dynamics between nations are complex and often dictated by national interests. However, actions that breach trust can lead to feelings of betrayal. This concept can be extended to the international sphere, where countries form alliances based on mutual trust and shared interests. It is in this context that we can understand the psychological impact of Turkey's decision to supply Asisguard Songar armed drones to Pakistan, despite its historically friendly relationship with India.

Betrayal is a powerful emotion that can cause significant psychological distress. It undermines trust and can lead to feelings of anger, disappointment, and resentment. From a psychological perspective, betrayal can be seen as a form of emotional trauma. It disrupts the sense of security and predictability in a relationship, leading to feelings of uncertainty and fear.

In the realm of international relations, perceived breaches of trust can have serious consequences. They may strain diplomatic ties, provoke retaliatory measures, or contribute to heightened geopolitical tensions. In India’s case, Turkey’s decision to supply armed drones to Pakistan has been viewed as a strategic move that undermines bilateral goodwill. This development has contributed to a cooling of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Given India’s humanitarian assistance to Turkey—most notably during the 2023 earthquake under Operation Dost—such defense cooperation with Pakistan has been perceived by some in India as a disregard for prior goodwill and a potential breach of diplomatic trust.

 

Similar Examples of International Betrayal in History

 

Understanding the psychology of betrayal in international relations requires a deep dive into key historical moments where nations perceived themselves as wronged by former allies or partners. These events often led to enduring diplomatic rifts, policy overhauls, and psychological shifts in national consciousness.

One of the most cited examples is the dramatic breakdown of trust between the United States and China during the Cold War. After cooperating as allies against Imperial Japan during World War II, American policymakers were caught off-guard when the People's Republic of China, under Mao Zedong, entered the Korean War in 1950 on the side of North Korea—an adversary of the U.S.-led United Nations coalition. The U.S. interpreted China’s military involvement as a direct betrayal of post-war expectations and responded by isolating Beijing diplomatically and militarily for decades. This perceived betrayal shaped American containment strategies in Asia for the remainder of the Cold War and deeply influenced public sentiment toward China.

Another illustrative case is the 'Soviet-Cuban Rift' that emerged in the 1970s. After the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the Soviet Union became Cuba’s primary economic and military supporter. However, Fidel Castro's independent foreign policy choices—particularly Cuba’s military interventions in Angola and Ethiopia—strained this alliance. The USSR viewed these moves as defiance, executed without prior consultation. Though ideologically aligned, Cuba’s pursuit of sovereignty in foreign affairs was seen as a breach of the hierarchical loyalty expected in the Soviet-led bloc. This tension foreshadowed broader fractures in Cold War alliances, where smaller nations asserted agency at the cost of loyalty.

In the Indian context, one of the most emotionally and politically traumatic betrayals occurred in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War. India had strongly supported China’s reintegration into the global community, including endorsing its seat at the United Nations and promoting the slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” (Indians and Chinese are brothers). These gestures were rooted in Nehruvian ideals of pan-Asian solidarity. However, China’s sudden military aggression across the disputed Himalayan border came as a shock to Indian leadership and citizens alike. The betrayal reshaped India’s foreign policy for decades, leading to the abandonment of non-alignment in practice and a renewed focus on military preparedness and border security. The war triggered a national identity crisis, with psychological scars still echoed in India’s contemporary China policy.

Another modern example with regional implications was Nepal’s release of a new political map in 2020 that claimed the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura regions—territories historically administered by India. India and Nepal share deep cultural, religious, and economic ties, including an open border and close military cooperation. The unexpected cartographic assertion shocked Indian policymakers and the public alike. Many analysts believed the move was influenced by China’s growing footprint in Nepal, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative. From India’s perspective, the episode felt like a betrayal by a trusted neighbour, demonstrating how external alignments can destabilize historic friendships and open the door to suspicion and estrangement.

Even the India-Sri Lanka relationship experienced a period of intense strain after the Sri Lankan Civil War. Despite India’s initial support to the Tamil movement and diplomatic efforts to broker peace, Sri Lanka’s growing reliance on Chinese military and infrastructural support led to India's exclusion from major post-war reconstruction projects. The port lease to China in Hambantota and other strategic deals were seen in New Delhi as a loss of trust and a diplomatic snub, further exacerbated by perceived lack of transparency from Colombo. This was interpreted not just as strategic rebalancing, but as a betrayal of India’s long-standing regional leadership.

These historical events illustrate that betrayal in international relations is rarely about a single act. It is about the rupture of expectations, the severing of perceived trust, and the emotional response of a nation that believes its goodwill has been exploited. The consequences are not just diplomatic—they are psychological, reshaping national narratives and informing future foreign policy with heightened caution and cynicism.

 

 

The Asisguard Songar Armed Drones - A Game Changer in Modern Warfare

 

Before delving into the psychology of international betrayal, let's understand the significance of the tool of betrayal itself - the Asisguard Songar armed drones. Asisguard, a Turkey-based technology company, developed Songar drones, a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with machine guns. These drones are capable of precision targeting, making them a game-changer in modern warfare and a powerful asset for any military force.

The Songar drone is a technological marvel. It can fly up to 3 kilometers and carry a payload of 200 rounds of ammunition. The drone operates with an advanced recoil absorption system and a stabilization algorithm, enabling it to hit targets accurately. A single operator can control multiple Songar drones simultaneously, enhancing their operational efficiency.

Armed drones like the Songar are not just tools of war; they are symbols of power and technological advancement. Therefore, Turkey's decision to supply these advanced drones to Pakistan is not merely an act of selling arms but of transferring power and strategic advantage.

 

Psychological Understanding of Turkey's Actions - Realism in International Relations

 

From a psychological perspective, Turkey's actions can be better understood through the lens of 'realism' in international relations. Realism is a school of thought that emphasizes that nations are motivated primarily by self-interest and survival. Realists argue that nations will act in ways that enhance their power and security, even if such actions betray their friends or allies.

In this context, Turkey's decision to supply Pakistan with Asisguard Songar drones can be seen as a strategic move to increase its influence in the region and possibly counterbalance India's growing power. This action may also be a manifestation of Turkey's desire to forge stronger ties with Pakistan, given their shared Islamic heritage and geopolitical interests.

However, this realist approach can have significant consequences. It can erode trust, strain relationships, and lead to retaliatory actions. From India's perspective, Turkey's actions can be interpreted as a major betrayal, causing a major setback to their bilateral relations.

 

India's Response - The Psychology of Retribution and Deterrence

 

In response to perceived betrayals, countries often resort to strategies of retribution and deterrence. Retribution is a form of punishment that aims to ensure that the betrayer pays a price for their actions. Deterrence, on the other hand, involves taking measures to prevent similar betrayals in the future.

India's response to Turkey's action can be seen in this light. It has reportedly reconsidered its ties with Turkey and taken steps to limit its diplomatic engagements. India has also reportedly increased its defense spending and accelerated its drone development program, possibly as a deterrent strategy.

 

 

While these actions may seem like escalations, they can also be seen as a manifestation of the psychological need for justice and security. They serve to communicate to Turkey and other potential adversaries that betrayals will not be taken lightly and will have consequences.

 

Prospects for Reconciliation - The Role of Forgiveness in International Relations

 

Despite the feelings of betrayal and the ensuing tensions, reconciliation is not impossible. Psychology suggests that forgiveness can be a powerful tool for healing and restoring broken relationships. This concept, while often applied to interpersonal relationships, is equally relevant in the realm of international relations.

Forgiveness in this context does not mean forgetting the betrayal or ignoring the damage caused. Instead, it involves acknowledging the hurt, refraining from revenge, and making a conscious effort to rebuild trust. It requires open dialogue, empathy, and a willingness to move past the betrayal.

There have been instances in history where countries that have been at loggerheads have managed to reconcile and build a positive relationship. The France-Germany reconciliation after World War II is a prime example of this. Similarly, India and Turkey, despite the current tensions, have the potential to mend their relationship and work towards mutual trust and cooperation.

 

The Dynamics of International Relations - A Dance of Trust and Betrayal

 

International relations are often compared to a dance, a delicate balance of trust and betrayal. This dance can be unpredictable, with one partner extending a hand in friendship one moment and pulling it back the next. The relationship between India and Turkey perfectly exemplifies this dynamic. The countries went from Operation Dost, a symbol of friendship and solidarity, to a situation of perceived betrayal when Turkey supplied Asisguard Songar drones to Pakistan.

This shift in dynamics is not unique to India and Turkey. Many nations experience similar fluctuations in relationships, often driven by changing geopolitical scenarios, national interests, and the evolving balance of power. These shifts can leave deep psychological imprints on nations, influencing their future behavior and interactions on the global stage.

 

Psychology of Nations - Understanding National Psyche through Actions

 

 

 

The actions of nations often reflect their psyche. By analyzing these actions, we can gain insights into the psychological underpinnings of countries' behavior. For instance, India's aid to Turkey during the earthquake reflects its altruistic nature and its commitment to humanitarian principles.

On the other hand, Turkey's decision to supply drones to Pakistan reflects its strategic thinking and, arguably, its tendency towards realpolitik - a system of politics based on practical and material factors rather than ethical or ideological notions. This action also provides a window into Turkey's perceived alliances and its geopolitical ambitions.

Pakistan's acceptance of Turkey's drone supply can be interpreted as a reflection of its military strategy and its own geopolitical calculations. It also suggests a level of trust towards Turkey.

 

The Future of India-Turkey Relations - Navigating the Troubled Waters

 

The future of India-Turkey relations remains uncertain, given the recent developments. The perceived betrayal has undoubtedly strained the relationship. However, as history has shown, international relations are fluid, and the future may hold possibilities for reconciliation and rebuilding of trust.

India and Turkey have a shared history and cultural ties that date back centuries. These shared bonds could serve as a foundation for dialogue and understanding. Moreover, both countries have significant roles to play in regional stability and global affairs. Cooperation between the two could be mutually beneficial and contribute to regional peace and stability.

However, for this to happen, both countries would need to navigate the troubled waters carefully. They would need to address the issues that led to the perceived betrayal and work towards rebuilding trust. This process could involve diplomatic dialogues, confidence-building measures, and, importantly, a willingness to understand and respect each other's national interests and sensitivities.

 

Lessons from History - The Path to Reconciliation

 

History is replete with examples of nations that have managed to overcome betrayal and rebuild trust. One such example is the reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam. Despite the bitter history of the Vietnam War, the two countries have managed to establish a robust partnership today, based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Another example is the reconciliation between France and Germany after World War II. Despite the deep wounds of war, the two countries managed to overcome their past and build a strong alliance that forms the backbone of the European Union today.

These examples serve as a reminder that while betrayal can strain relations, it does not necessarily spell the end. With time, patience, and concerted efforts, it is possible to overcome betrayal, heal the wounds, and build a stronger, more resilient relationship.

 

Impact of Cultural Factors on International Relations

 

Cultural factors can significantly influence international relations. The shared cultural and religious heritage between Turkey and Pakistan might have played a role in their strengthening alliance. Both nations share a common Islamic heritage, which can serve as a strong bonding factor. This shared cultural affinity may have influenced Turkey's decision to supply drones to Pakistan.

On the other hand, despite its historical and cultural ties with India, Turkey might have felt compelled to prioritize its religious affinity with Pakistan. This may have contributed to the perceived betrayal by India.

Such cultural factors can significantly impact international relations, influencing alliances, and leading to shifts in loyalties. Understanding these cultural nuances can help in predicting and understanding the dynamics of international relations.

 

 

 

Role of International Law in Regulating Interactions

 

International law plays a critical role in regulating interactions between nations, establishing norms, and resolving disputes. In the context of the India-Turkey-Pakistan triangle, international law could provide a framework for addressing the issues arising from Turkey's drone supply to Pakistan.

There are international laws and treaties that regulate arms transfers, and any violation of these can be brought before international forums for resolution. For instance, if India believes that Turkey's action violates any international treaty or norm, it can seek redressal through international legal mechanisms.

International law also promotes stability and peace by providing a set of rules that nations are expected to abide by. By adhering to these laws, nations can ensure their actions are in line with internationally accepted norms, thereby reducing the likelihood of perceived betrayals and conflicts.

 

Role of Global Governance in Mitigating Conflicts

 

Global governance, through institutions like the United Nations, plays a significant role in mitigating conflicts and facilitating dialogue between nations. In the case of India, Turkey, and Pakistan, such institutions could provide a neutral platform for dialogue and conflict resolution.

These global institutions advocate for peaceful resolution of disputes and encourage nations to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They can help diffuse tensions by mediating dialogues, imposing sanctions, or even deploying peacekeeping forces if necessary.

In the context of the drone supply issue, these institutions could evaluate the situation in light of international laws and norms, and provide recommendations or rulings to resolve the dispute. By doing so, they can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts and fostering a sense of justice and fairness in international relations.

 

Understanding Strategic Interests - The Core of International Relations

 

At the heart of international relations lie the strategic interests of nations. These strategic interests, which can encompass economic, political, military, or even cultural aspects, largely dictate a nation's actions on the global stage.

In the case of Turkey supplying drones to Pakistan, one can argue that this action was driven by Turkey's strategic interests. By aligning itself more closely with Pakistan, Turkey could be aiming to enhance its influence in the region and counterbalance India's growing power.

Similarly, India's response to the perceived betrayal - increasing its defense spending and reconsidering its ties with Turkey - can be seen as a reflection of its strategic interests. By doing so, India aims to safeguard its security interests and send a strong message to any potential adversaries.

Understanding these strategic interests can provide valuable insights into the actions of nations and help predict future behaviors and alliances. Therefore, any analysis of international relations, including the psychology of international betrayal, must take into account the strategic interests of the nations involved.